Zodiac launches eOpen electric outboard-powered RIB range
Two skeleton-console Zodiac RIBs will now offer owners the choice of battery powerFrench rigid inflatable boat specialist Zodiac has revealed a new range of battery-powered RIBs fitted with Torqeedo electric motors that it will market as the “eOpen” range of boats.
The new electrically motivated centre console RIBs are the perfect size to act as large boat tenders, measuring either 3.1 meres or 3.4 metres in length – the perfect size for a tender garage, swim platform or davit system.
“With these two new 100 per cent electric models, no more pollution, no more maintenance, enjoy the only sound of the sea in absolute calm,” Zodiac said in a statement announcing the new option.
The new boats can run for about an hour at maximum power before needing a recharge. The boats will tap into Torqeedo’s Cruise range of portable electric outboard motors that range from 2.7hp to 20hp, with the larger models coming in either forward control or tiller steer options.
According to Zodiac, the electric range of the tenders makes them ideal for exploring inaccessible places, quiet to run and maintenance-free compared with a conventional petrol-powered outboard engine.
The boats are shown using an eOpen-branded rapid charger fitted to a floating dock. There is no indication of how the batteries will be recharged out on the water.
Zodiac has not yet revealed if it has made any modifications to the way the RIBs are built to account for the electric drivetrains.
The Cruise range of Torqeedo electric outboard motors have in-built GPS and an onboard display that can show information such as speed over the ground, how much power the motor is using, the state of charge and even the remaining range.
To get the maximum 30-knot performance out of the highest performing option, the Torqeedo motor will need a pair of Torqeedo’s 48-volt, 5000Wh lithium-ion batteries. If a single battery is used, the motor is limited to just 4.0 knots.
This is not the first time that Zodiac has released a battery-fuelled boat. Last year, the Zodiac eJet 450, a 4.5-metre-long and 2.0-metre-wide luxury tender featuring a skeleton console and seating for up to seven passengers was teased as the brand’s first-ever all-electric model.
It features a jet-drive motor similar to a jet ski, and is powered using batteries originally developed for the BMW i3 electric car.
Related content:
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
