UK firm delivers drivetrain for Spirit’s electric foiling boat
SpiritBARTech35EF © BARTechnologies Spirit Yachts
The UK-based engineering firm, Equipmake, has supplied an advanced e-drivetrain system for a long-range electric flying boat currently in development.
The SpiritBARTech35EF project, in collaboration with Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies, is a 35ft electric vessel that uses active retractable foils to lift the hull above the water and reduce drag, enabling a fast-cruising range of approximately 100 nautical miles at 22 knots. The project is set to become the first fully electric yacht capable of delivering a range of 100 nautical miles between charges.
Equipmake designed, developed, and manufactured a fully electric drivetrain for the SpiritBARTech35EF. It features a specially adapted version of its motor and gearbox, an Equipmake inverter and custom battery pack.
The project is the first time Equipmake’s electrification products and expertise have been applied to the electric marine market, which is estimated to be worth ~$16.6 billion by 2030. Equipmake says it is exploring further opportunities to collaborate with naval engineering consultancy BAR Technologies in the future.
“We are extremely proud to have played a key role in the development of this incredible electric flying boat, which truly sets new standards for long-range electric vessels,” says Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake. “Our in-house developed electrification technology has many varied high-performance applications, from aerospace to automotive, and the SpiritBARTech35EF is the perfect showcase for how it can be applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market.”
John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, adds: “We firmly believe that the future of the marine sector will be defined by developments in the sustainability and efficiency of vessels. We have been delighted to partner with Equipmake on its remarkable powertrain.
“Ian Foley and his team are true leaders in the field of electrification and share our ethos of lightweighting and competition-bred design and development. We look forward to exploring further opportunities to work together.”
