Volvo Penta launches battery-powered test boat

Trials will start with an electromobility system fitted to a Fountaine-Pajot Lucia 40, with the project also tied into the French yacht maker’s research and development program.

Volvo Penta said the electromobility system’s installation and subsequent sea trials would be held over the coming months, where the system’s performance and durability will be fine-tuned.

No details on the system developed for the test boat have been revealed.

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“The initiative is part of Volvo Penta’s commitment to offer electrified solutions in its marine and industrial product ranges,” the engine maker said in a statement.

“This is being driven by Volvo Penta’s belief that the needs of environmental sustainability and customer requirements are getting ever closer, as electrified options become increasingly feasible.”

Fountaine-Pajot head of design Vincent Laigo said the yacht maker saw many benefits from working with Volvo Penta on an electric drive system.

“There is a significant and growing proportion of our customer base that is looking for greater on-board living convenience, lower maintenance, increased sustainability and a more natural sailing experience,” Laigo said.

“We believe that the new electric technology being developed by Volvo Penta will answer many of these customer aspirations.

“We are also confident that this technical solution will be well supported around the world,” he said.

Volvo Penta is already working on electric drive systems for land-based vehicles – technology which could be hardened for marine applications. In 2018, it set itself a target of introducing hybrid or fully electric drivetrain options to all its marine products by 2021.

Volvo Penta has said its electrified powertrains will be “not just be more sustainable, they will also be high performance – delivering a no compromise win-win offering for customers and the environment”.