Porsche Macan electric drivetrain to double as a boat motor
Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air to tap Porsche's battery powertrain, design elementsAustrian high-end boatmaker Frauscher has announced it will build a limited run of one of its models using the powertrain being developed for a battery-fuelled Porsche Macan.
Fraucher announced yesterday it would build 25 of its 8.7-metre 858 Fantom Air luxury dayboats next year, all featuring a 100kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery connected to a latest-generation permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM) – a cross between an induction motor and brushless DC motor. The battery’s 800-volt capacity will allow it to repower at DC fast-charging stations.
“The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser, whose 8.67-metre long and 2.49-metre wide hull it is taking over practically unchanged,” Porsche said while announcing the collaboration.
“Porsche has optimised and further developed its drive technology designed for road vehicles for use on the water.
“This enables the use of the state-of-the-art automotive drive technology of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) on which the future all-electric Macan will be based as the first Porsche model.”
The boatbuilder is already allowing people to join a queue to line up for one of the new electric models.
Frauscher already builds a range of electric boats including a catamaran model featuring a large open deck.
However, those boats all tap engines from outboard and inboard motor specialist Torqueedo, and are rated to a maximum of 150hp.
As well as gaining the powertrain from the electric Porsche Macan, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air will also add a Porsche-styled helm station, including the steering wheel, and the seats.
Who will buy the electric boat? A range of people, Frauscher says.
”The Frauscher x Porsche electric yacht can be taken out on local, emission-free and practically silent trips through harbours and bays, and for more sustainable driving pleasure on inland waters or open lakes,” the company said in a statement.
“The yacht is also suitable for rough water and thus for the sea.
“Our boat is perfect as a day cruiser for a relaxed swimming trip, for example, or as a tender for a super yacht to make an excursion to a coastal town.”
Other than the helm and powertrain, the rest of the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air will look a lot like its donor platform, including a capacity of up to nine passengers.
The aft section of the boat includes a swimming platform that backs onto a lounge area with side-by-side sun pads.
“A central aisle connects the back end of the yacht with the free-standing helm and the cockpit. Two more upholstered benches in the front end are equally inviting for relaxation,” it said.
“Also on board are two bimini tops for shade, an electric anchor winch with a stainless steel anchor, a premium sound system and a refrigerator. Porsche plays a significant role in the design of the seats and upholstery, aiming to provide particularly high-performance, luxurious features.”
Porsche is part of the wider Volkswagen Group of companies, the world’s largest car maker that also includes brands such as Audi, Seat, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti, as well as motorcycle brands including Italian marque Ducati.
Volkswagen’s diesel engines have been adapted for use in boats by brands such as Mercury, and it has already joined up with another Austrian boatbuilder, Silent Yachts, to supply it with battery packs to feed its future solar-powered catamarans.
Specifications
Model: Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air
Length: 8.67m
Beam: 2.49m
Weight: TBA
Battery: 100kWh
Motor: Permanently excited synchronous electric
Passengers: 9
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