Freudenberg e-Power Systems has announced the XWAVE maritime battery system, a modular and stackable solution engineered for integration into both fully electric and hybrid marine vessels. XWAVE is built around Gen 3 SHP mid-nickel, single crystal lithium-ion power cells, which have been developed in-house to deliver high specific power and energy density while maintaining a long cycle life, critical for demanding maritime applications where reliability and durability are paramount.

Each XWAVE module offers a capacity of 17 kWh at a nominal voltage of 132 V. The system architecture allows modules and the associated battery disconnect unit (BDU) to be connected in series, supporting a total system voltage up to 1048 V. This modularity enables precise tailoring of the system’s voltage and energy storage to the vessel’s operational profile and available installation space. Importantly, the voltage configuration and physical stack height are decoupled, allowing for flexible integration into a variety of hull designs and machinery spaces. For applications demanding higher total energy or redundancy, up to 24 parallel-connected strings can be deployed, significantly scaling the system’s total capacity and output.

The Gen 3 SHP cells are designed to deliver high charge and discharge rates, supporting both rapid charging cycles and high transient power demands typical in marine propulsion and auxiliary loads. The system is managed by an advanced battery management system (BMS) that provides continuous monitoring of cell voltages, temperatures, and current flows, ensuring safe and reliable operation under all conditions. The BMS is compatible with telematics integration, enabling remote diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and operational analytics to optimize lifecycle performance and minimize downtime.

XWAVE’s modular approach facilitates both newbuild and retrofit projects, allowing naval architects and shipyards to optimize battery placement and system sizing without compromising vessel stability or cargo space. The system is engineered to comply with current and anticipated maritime safety and emissions regulations, including those set by the International Maritime Organization, which is targeting net-zero emissions from shipping by 2050. By enabling significant reductions in greenhouse gas and particulate emissions, XWAVE supports operators in meeting regulatory requirements and corporate sustainability goals.

Operational benefits extend beyond emissions reduction. The adoption of battery-electric and hybrid propulsion systems results in quieter vessel operation, reduced vibration, and less disturbance to marine life, while also improving the passenger experience through smoother rides. Freudenberg e-Power Systems currently powers over 30 hybrid and fully electric vessels worldwide and expects XWAVE to be commercially available in 2027, positioning the company to support the anticipated 24% annual growth in the electric and hybrid vessel market projected through 2030.

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