Electric ferry sails 50 miles on single battery charge

The world’s longest-ranging, fully electric ferry, Ellen, set a new world record at the 7th annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Sønderborg, Denmark. The electric boat sailed 50 nautical miles (92 kilometres) on a single battery charge.

The event saw leaders from industry, government, and civil society join with the International Energy Agency (IEA). Danfoss Editron

“The 92 kilometre trip on a single battery charge is the longest planned distance for an electric ferry able to carry both passengers and vehicles to date, anywhere on the globe,” says senior lecturer at Marstal Naval Academy, Henrik Hagbarth Mikkelsen. “We are talking about a clear record. On normal daily trips, the ferry sails 22 nautical miles, or 40 kilometres, from harbour to harbour before recharging.”

Ellen does not emit carbon and operates at a 24 per cent lower cost than a new diesel ferry. She started sailing in 2019, with Danfoss’ Editron division supplying the electric Editron drivetrains and propulsion motors powering the ferry. 

“Ellen is an excellent example of the future for electric transport,” says Kimmo Rauma, vice president of Danfoss Editron division. “It’s cleaner, greener, and more efficient than her fossil fuel competitors. Electrifying maritime transport is a clear-cut way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Danfoss Editron plans to submit the world record to the Guinness World of Records.