ZEI provides covert power solutions for the warfighter. Chevron, Trafigura, and Crowley are ZEI’s Series A investors.
We deliver the covert, high-power energy solutions the DoD urgently needs for manned and unmanned systems, operational energy, and contested logistics - solutions that evade today’s battlefield sensors. Leveraging decades of world-leading American expertise in hydrogen technology developed through the US Space Program and Nuclear Weapons Enterprise, we empower warfighters to dominate the 21st-century battlefield.
Our hydrogen-based covert energy solutions provide:
* “Deep Stealth” signature management: no thermal, acoustic, or chemical signature
* Undetectable on-site fuel and power production
* Rapid deployment and redeployment in contested areas
* Elimination of vulnerable fuel supply line logistics
ZEI’s combination of technology solutions, track record, and elite team is solving the DoD’s propulsion and energy needs. We have demand from the US Navy, Marine Corps, and the Special Forces and are establishing rapid, parallel contracting pathways to enable quick adoption by the warfighter.
In addition, ZEI continues to see high demand for its solutions from the commercial heavy duty sectors, with multiple opportunities for its FTcase portable hydrogen fueling solution for trucking, transit, and rail applications. One of our customers is Honda Racing Corp USA who is using FTcase for their historic run in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 22, 2025.
ZEI is led by the world-leading subject matter expert in hydrogen energy for maritime, Dr. Joe Pratt, CEO and Co-Founder. Joe has over 25 years of experience in hydrogen technology including applications of UAVs, airplanes, gensets, soldier power, material handling, heavy duty trucks and buses, commercial shipping, passenger vessels, recreational boating, and combatant craft. Prior to ZEI Joe spent 8 years at the US Department of Energy / National Nuclear Security Agency’s Sandia National Laboratories leading teams and programs to solve the hardest technical and market challenges in hydrogen and energy technology. ZEI’s CSO and Co-Founder John Motlow has over 15 of experience in technology startups as Founder, Co-Founder, and early employee with several successful exits. He focuses on strategic planning, product development, marketing, and sales and has a degree in History focused on Military Conflict.
Supporting Joe and John is an executive team comprised of former employees from Apple, SpaceX, and SAFE Boats, and an elite, mission driven team of top-tier talent across the organization with pedigree such as F1, Lucid, Nel, Dedrone, and Astra. ZEI also has two former Naval Special Warfare Operators (SWCC), who bring close personal relationships and direct access to DoD decision makers, operators, and procurement officers in SOCOM, JSOC, NSW, INDOPACOM, and more.
As opposed to many other companies who have come and gone in the hydrogen space, we have a 7-year track record of delivering hydrogen technology that actually works in the real world and solves real problems. ZEI has delivered four World’s Firsts in its 7-year history, all operating successfully today:
* The world’s first hydrogen fuel cell commercial ferry, currently operating in San Francisco by SF Bay Ferry, with full US Coast Guard safety certifications.
* The world’s first - and only - man portable hydrogen fueling system (FTcase), completely solving the primary problem of hydrogen adoption by eliminating the need for installed infrastructure.
* The world’s highest performing hydrogen-battery hybrid power system for maritime (Z-Class)
* The world’s first repowered hydrogen Go-Fast boat, and the fastest hydrogen boat in North America, using ZEI’s proprietary Z-Class power system.
ZEI raised their Series A in 2023, led by Chevron and with Crowley and Trafigura, and is currently raising an A2 which enables them to close multiple open opportunities at USSOCOM, US Navy, and USMC by the end of Q4 2025, at which point they plan to open their Series B fundraise.
