A new Z-source inverter (ZSI) topology is developed to improve voltage boost ability. The proposed topology is modified from the switched inductor topology by adding some more inductors and diodes into inductor branch to the conventional Z-source network. The modulation methods developed for the conventional ZSI can be easily utilized in the proposed ZSI. The proposed ZSI has an ability to obtain a higher voltage boost ratio compared with the conventional ZSI under the same shoot-through duty ratio. Since a smaller shoot-through duty ratio is required for high voltage boost, the proposed ZSI is able to reduce the voltage stress on Z-source capacitor and inverter-bridge. Theoretical analysis and operating principle of the proposed topology are explicitly described. In addition, the design guideline of the proposed Z-source network as well as the PWM control method to achieve the desired voltage boost factor is also analyzed in detail. The improved performances are validated by both simulation and experiment.