Electric outboard partnership for Groupe Beneteau and Vision Marine Technologies
Groupe Beneteau and Vision Marine Technologies have launched a partnership to integrate Vision Marine Technologies outboard motors onboard several models across Groupe Beneteau’s brand portfolio.
“After the construction and thorough testing of a first, jointly developed prototype in early 2022, the objective is to bring to market a 100% electric boat and propulsion package” says Erik Stromberg, power and motor yacht product director for Groupe Beneteau. “The key to electrification is to have a full analysis of the customer use case. Many of the boats in our portfolio fit perfectly with a 100% electric solution. This solution is complementary and fully compatible with our other propulsion packages.”
The Vision Marine E-Motion180 hp powertrain system, has a battery capacity of 70kWh of continuous power, which the company says, offers the perfect package for day boating. The initial commercial offering with Groupe Beneteau will be launched under the Four Winns brand, with deliveries available in spring 2023. The technology will also be rolled out by other brands within Groupe Beneteau, both in North America and Europe.
“Our high end technology adapted from the state of the art automotive market is the driver of our partnership with Groupe Beneteau,” says Xavier Montagne, COO of Vision Marine. “The E-Motion propulsion system is not only a motor and a high voltage battery, but also a fully optimised powertrain system designed to increase performance and reduce maintenance. We have worked hard with McLaren Engineering and its parent company Linamar Corp. to design a very secure and easy to use system. This will change the way consumers go boating.”
Groupe Beneteau says innovation is a keystone of its heritage, and that it’s been shaping trends in boating for over 130 years. In March 2022 it launched the Delphia 11 with electric propulsion for boating on inland waterways and lakes. At the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2021, it presented the sailing catamaran Excess 15 Hybrid. This partnership with Vision Marine Technologies ensures truly game-changing electric propulsion will also be available on outboard powerboats, the company says.
