Porsche enters electric boat market
Sports car manufacturer Porsche is entering the electric boating market via a collaboration with Austrian Frauscher Shipyard to develop an exclusive electric sports boat.
Equipped with the drive technology of the future Porsche Macan electric, Porsche says the 8.67-metre Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air day cruiser is intended to set standards on the water with its typical Porsche E-Performance and offer excellent driving characteristics.
“We stand for state-of-the-art, high-performance and sustainable luxury – and we are redefining this concept,” says Lutz Meschke, deputy chairman and member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche AG.
“Our goal is to inspire our customers and make their dreams come true. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, like our sports cars, offers exceptional performance and luxury experiences.”
Stefan Frauscher, CEO responsible for marketing & sales at the Frauscher Shipyard, comments: “Electric drives are also increasingly important in our industry as well. On the one hand, they are increasingly enjoying more social acceptance, and on the other our customers are very happy about the advantages of electromobility, namely that it’s quiet, odourless and reliable.
“Founded by my grandfather in 1927, the Frauscher Shipyard has been building electric boats since 1955. The collaboration with Porsche gives us the opportunity to build on our leading role in this area within the industry. Additionally, both companies have very similar values, are family-run, and focus on innovation, design and quality.”
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser, with the hull remaining practically unchanged. Porsche says that it has optimised and further developed its automotive drive technology designed for road vehicles for use on the water. This technology includes the lithium-ion high voltage battery with a total capacity of around 100 kWh, a permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM), and the related power electronic. The 800-volt technology from Porsche means the electric boat can be charged at DC fast-charging stations. AC charging is also possible.
“With the all-electric Macan we want to provide the sportiest model in its segment. This is our stated development goal. And we have carried over this ambition in every detail to the boat. The eFantom offers the E-Performance typical of Porsche with excellent driving properties,” explains Jörg Kerner, vice president product line Macan.
“That the powerful electric motors of the latest generation and the state-of-the-art battery and charge management also work so well on the water is testament to the excellence of our modular Premium Platform Electric.”
Along with the drive technology, aspects of the project also exhibit Porsche design cues. The Studio F.A. Porsche is responsible for the design of the helm stand, as well as creating the steering wheel and the main console with throttle and integrated displays.
Accommodating up to nine passengers, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air boasts a swimming platform at the rear which leads to a generous lounge area with two comfortable sun pads. A central aisle connects the stern of the yacht with the free-standing helm and the cockpit, while the bow has two additional upholstered benches. Also onboard are two bimini tops for shade, an electric windlass with a stainless steel anchor, a premium sound system and a refrigerator.
“Our boat is perfect as a day cruiser for a relaxed swimming trip, for example, or as a tender for a superyacht to make an excursion to a coastal town,” adds Stefan Frauscher.
The company says the initial plan is for an exclusive first edition of 25 units, which can be pre-ordered from Frauscher with delivery expected to to begin in 2024.
