Fischer Panda have been involved in numerous projects using electricity as the primary driving source of energy. Systems replacing the traditional ship engine with an electric motor have always been the preferred choice of large icebreakers. An electric drive delivers more thrust to the propeller so a much smaller engine can be used. Electric motors (podded propellers) are becoming more and more common as the standard drives for ocean liners and luxury cruisers.

Fischer Panda's aim is to use the benefits of electric propulsion as viable solution for smaller commercial and recreation vessels. By supplying propulsion and on-board electrical system from a single source, weight savings can be made and the overall system simplified. Where tradition systems have to be designed with the engine and propeller connected via a fixed shaft, connecting the propeller to the generator with a flexible cable gives the designer completely new layout possibilities.

• Several propellers can be driven by one generator
• Plenty of house power
• Innovative technology
• One system supplier for propulsion & energy
• Hybrid is GREEN
• Dual use of diesel engine is economic, saves space & weight
• Three different types of electric drive, Shaft (the classic drive), Pod (unterwater drive) and Saildrive (ideal for yachts) available.

• Diesel Electric System: Drives are powered directly by using 400V AC Generator. Suitable for propulsion systems ranging from 10 to 55kW.
• Hybrid Power Systems: The system is designed to use a battery bank as the energy source for the drives and supported by a generator. Using only the batteries as the source for power makes it possible to travel without noise. Not only important for passenger comforts but also suitable for defence and marine research applications. Hybrid systems are suited for powering up to 10 kW with the range and duration being determined only by the size of the battery bank.

Since the introduction of the Diesel Electric - Drive Systems over 7 years ago, more than 30 DE-Drives and 10 hybrid drive systems have been installed on a range of vessels including in sailing yachts, houseboats, motor yachts, catamarans, passenger vessels and submarines. There are also three test boats, Bavaria 49, DE-Aziprop and Sloope belonging to Fischer Panda which are used to demonstrate the system and to test and evaluate of new ideas.

In order to deliver optimal performance and operate efficiently, each DE-Drive system is carefully designed for each project. Many of the DE-Drive systems have been installed as "professional solutions" on commercially operating vessels. The transportation of passenger onboard water taxis and ferries typically places higher demands on the system than a private yacht used at the weekend.

Factors affecting safety, cost and reliability are of great importance. Factors crucial to commercial ventures, such as product care, engineering support, long-term maintenance and spares supply form are also available. Several professional boatbuilders such as SMG Multihull (Austria), Outremer (France), Knierim Yachtbau (Germany), Teknokat Marine (Monaco) and Alternative Energies (France) have implemented DE-Systems.