Volvo Penta studies fast-charge bus tech for electric boats

The company said it would explore if a fast recharging system it has built for electric buses can evolve into a system that will one day top up a battery-powered boat.

The land and marine engine builder has announced a study working alongside Swiss robotics and industrial giant ABB and Sweden-based Chalmers University of Technology to develop on-water fast charging concepts.

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“While all-electric boating remains in its infancy, for this exciting new transport system to be a success and grow, a network of fast charging stations needs to be developed,” Volvo Penta electromobility director Niklas Thulin said.

“Identifying the more promising solutions will be the challenge of the one-year project, which is being partly funded by the Swedish Energy Agency.”

The fast charger system developed for Sweden’s electric buses uses an overhead gantry that drops down to the roof of the bus as it is stopped to pick up passengers.

“We believe we can leverage proven technology from the Volvo Group to develop hybrid and electric solutions onboard,” Thulin said.

“But the need for infrastructure, standards, and regulations are critical to accelerate this shift. The commercial boat owner or vessel operator of the future will need to be able to charge in a similar way from city to city or harbour to harbour.

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“This charging infrastructure could also be shared with on-road applications, for example, electric buses using the same fast-charging solution as electric ferries.

“Based on the existing knowledge of charging infrastructure within the Volvo Group, we aim to be a leading voice in setting the scene for this transformational shift.”

Volvo Penta said safety was a high priority, considering the potentially dangerous combination of high currents and saltwater.

“And while the project is only at the inception stage, it already has a clear ambition that the final technology adopted will be open source, helping to speed up the adoption of electromobility globally,” it said.

While the system will initially be developed for commercial solutions, the marine engine maker has flagged that it is working on hybrid systems for pleasure boats that combine torquey diesel engines with electric motors.

According to Volvo Penta, the hybrid variant “will allow boats to operate in the low-and-zero emission zones that are expected to be introduced in the coming years.

“The hybrid configuration will also bring additional benefits, including lower noise, vibrations and running costs,” it said.

The IPS-based hybrid system will initially roll out to boats with engines ranging between 8.0 and 13.0 litres suitable, Volvo Penta says, for powering vessels such as ferries, pilot and supply boats, as well as yachts.

“With full torque from the electric motor available instantly, the boat will maintain the responsiveness and controllability that IPS is famous for in electric-only mode, as well as offering the ability to run at 10 to 12 knots,” Volvo Penta said.