Beneteau launches two new Torqeedo-powered electric boats

Beneteau has premiered two new electric sailing yachts, the Oceanis 30.1 and the First 44, at Salon Nautic de Paris.

The two are a testament to what Groupe Beneteau describes as its continued realisation of its sustainability strategy. That is looking at its manufacturing processes and product development with an eye toward carbon reduction and eco-friendliness.

“On the product development side, we are currently focused on reducing the environmental impact in two key areas: composite materials and propulsion systems,” says Gianguido Girotti, boat division CEO.

Hull one of the First 44 features a Torqeedo emission-free cruise pod drive system and was built with recyclable resin. The First 44 was recently won a Boat Builder Award for Environmental Improvement in Manufacturing Process (for its integration of bio-sourced materials and recyclable resin at scale). An electrified version of the Oceanis 30.1 has also been launched at the Salon Nautic (3-10 December 2022).

“The partnership between Groupe Beneteau and Torqeedo continues to bring exciting new vessels to the marine market, expanding the opportunities for boaters to go 100 per cent emission-free,” says Fabian Bez, CEO of Torqeedo.

The partnership between the two companies has previously enjoyed success within Excess (a hybrid-electric test platform is powered by Torqeedo’s Deep Blue saildrive) and Delphia (the 10 and 11 are 100-per-cent electric).

Torqeedo recently opened (November 2022) a new 8,300sqm facility near Munich, where all company activities, including research, development, and production, will take place.