Meet Firefly—a 49-foot solar-electric vessel designed not just to navigate water, but to spark minds.
Delivering over 200 kilowatt-hours of clean energy, Firefly will be one of the most powerful all-electric, solar-integrated education vessels on the water. Designed with advanced lithium-ion systems and built to meet Coast Guard-certified safety standards, it will prove that serious power and real-world learning can go hand-in-hand.
Built for Upstream Alliance, Firefly brings students from Camden, NJ and along the Delaware River aboard for immersive, hands-on STEM learning.
Crafted by Lyman-Morse and designed by renowned marine architect Dave Gerr, Firefly is powered by 24 Lithionics’ UL-listed lithium-ion batteries and a custom system engineered with OceanPlanet Energy (OPE).
“It’s not just a boat—it’s a floating classroom powered by the sun.” —Bruce Schwab, Ocean Planet Energy
The Heart Behind the Hull
Firefly was built with purpose: to give underserved students access to their local waterways and the science that surrounds them. In many urban communities, these natural spaces are nearby but not always accessible for hands-on exploration. Upstream Alliance saw a chance to change that.
Each trip welcomes up to 32 students for interactive programming focused on environmental science, sustainability, and real-world STEM. And because Firefly runs on clean energy, it doesn’t just teach sustainability—it lives it.
“Firefly proves that sustainable technology isn’t just a concept, it’s a working, teachable reality.”
Firefly is a custom creation. The team started from scratch, designing a solution that combined high energy capacity, robust safety features, and full compliance with Coast Guard regulations—all while ensuring reliable, all-day operation.
Propulsion Power
- 24 x 51V 165Ah Lithionics Battery Modules (201kWh total)
- 8 BMS units for redundancy and control
- Multiple sets of Twin 50kW QuietTorque motors running in parallel
House Power
- 2 x 24V 315Ah batteries with 2 BMS
- Powers lighting, navigation, pumps, and onboard systems
Charging System
- 16 x 2,500W chargers (400 amps total)
- 24 Jinko 430W bifacial solar panels
- Shore charging capability for overnight use
Integrated Control
- Fully CAN-bus integrated
- Controlled via a single onboard tablet
- Seamless communication across propulsion, house, and charging systems
“Everything from propulsion to house power is controllable from a single tablet. It’s simple on the surface but requires a huge engineering effort behind the scenes.”
Safety First: Coast Guard Approval
With so much stored energy onboard, safety came first. Lithionics was chosen for its UL-listed batteries and proven commitment to marine safety.
Key Safety Features
- UL-certified batteries that meet safety standards and offer peace of mind
- Special venting system that safely releases gases outside the boat in the rare event of overheating
- Built-in fire suppression system that activates automatically if needed (still being tested)
- Backup safety controls with multiple battery management systems to keep things running safely
Coast Guard Testing
- Thermal runaway and venting tests at Lithionics
- Seawater dousing tests by OPE
- Full documentation and video evidence submitted for approval
“If there was a thermal runaway, it may have to vent outside of the boat. That required a custom solution—and Lithionics delivered.”
Collaboration for Success
OceanPlanet Energy led system integration, partnering with Lithionics to navigate supply chains, timelines, and evolving regulations. The result? A vessel that’s safe, functional, and truly inspiring.
What’s Next
Launch: 2025
- Full-day operation (8–10 hours/day)
- Up to 32 students per trip
- Based in Camden, NJ, operating along the Delaware River
But Firefly is just the beginning.
“We want to see 10 Fireflies up and down the East Coast.”
Firefly is a proof of concept—a scalable model for clean, electric vessels that serve real-world missions and set new standards for marine electrification.
Future Impact
- More educational vessels like Firefly
- Broader commercial adoption of UL-listed battery systems
- Greater awareness of clean marine tech possibilities
“It’s easy to forget what it took to build fossil-fueled infrastructure. Projects like Firefly remind us of what the future can look like—clean, smart, and student-powered.”
Final Reflections
“Firefly isn’t just a technical achievement—it’s a mission in motion. It took the right partners to bring it to life, and Lithionics showed up with safety, expertise, and heart.”
– Bruce Schwab, OceanPlanet Energy
“This wasn’t just about batteries. It was about building something that will shape how students see the world—and what’s possible in it.”
– Phil, Lithionics Battery
Learn More
Curious how Lithionics’ marine-grade, UL-listed systems can power your next adventure? Let’s talk.
