Volvo Penta and Groupe Beneteau in collaborative hands-on training of Hybrid Electric concept boat -shaping user experience and value for the future | Marine & Industrial Report

Volvo Penta and Groupe Beneteau in collaborative hands-on training of Hybrid Electric concept boat -shaping user experience and value for the future

 

Volvo Penta and Groupe Beneteau invite media, dealers and end customers to experience an event at the Krossholmen Test Facility, showcasing an innovative hybrid electric concept boat that aims to redefine the future boating experience.

Collaboratively created by Volvo Penta, a leader in marine technology, and Groupe Beneteau, a dominant force in the global marine leisure sector, this groundbreaking concept boat integrates Volvo Penta’s hybrid electric system into a leisure boat design that epitomizes sustainability, intuitive operation, and near-silent cruising.

With the ability to silently glide through the water, boaters will experience the soothing serenity of quiet nights aboard. Absent the hum of a running combustion engine, they will be embraced by the tranquil symphony of lapping waves and gentle breezes.

This innovative hybrid concept sets itself apart with a state-of-the-art, fully integrated system. This includes Volvo Penta joystick docking and dynamic positioning system in electric mode – delivering a fine-tuned level of precision and control. The electric motors and combustion engines work together to deliver responsiveness and a smooth acceleration boost. Volvo Penta’s control over the entire system – both the combustion engine and the electric driveline – guarantees a seamless experience and impeccable integration between power modes.

The plug-in parallel hybrid featuring two Volvo Penta D4-320 engines alongside two 60 kW electric motors offers three driving modes: Electric, Hybrid and Power. The integrated system, with a uniquely developed Human Machine Interface (HMI), sets this vessel apart from competitors by allowing the boater to seamlessly shift between driving modes enhancing efficiency and comfort on board.

The boat boasts a top speed of 35 knots. It can cruise up to 10 knots when running purely on electric power, providing the range of 15 nautical miles at a consistent speed of 5 knots, which equates to around 3 hours of travel time. The transmission comes from two of Volvo Penta’s proven and productive DPI Aquamatic Sterndrive units.

The on-board battery bank comprises eight modules with a total energy storage capacity of 67 kWh. Recharging the batteries can be done using conventional shore power, which will take between 3 and 12 hours, depending on local power supply. There’s also the ability to charge the batteries via the onboard Volvo Penta combustion engines. These can deliver up to 20 kW of charge while the vessel is in motion, or up to 60 kW of charge when the vessel is moored or at a standstill. This can be completed in just one hour. Total weight for the battery pack is 600 kg, however acceleration is enhanced thanks to the electric boost function.

The robust battery bank extends sea expeditions, offering the opportunity to live off-grid without running a generator or combustion engine. Beyond the peace, this vessel’s hybrid technology also affords a unique privilege to explore otherwise restricted areas.

Whether it’s the chance to traverse through protected waters or coming closer to the heart of wildlife habitats, this concept boat expands the horizons of exploration.

The hybrid electric system presents no compromise, embodying the best of both worlds: it operates as efficiently as a conventional combustion engine vessel while allowing for optimized use of the electric driveline to minimize emissions during the journey.

“We have a rich history of collaboration with Volvo Penta. This partnership goes beyond mere technology, it is a shared ambition to embrace new challenges and revolutionize the client experience,” says Erik Stromberg, Vice President of Power and Motor Yacht Products at Groupe Beneteau.

The exclusive future-focused event takes place against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swedish archipelago, as Volvo Penta opens its test facility to end-users, media, and industry stakeholders at the concept stage. Attendees will not only gain firsthand exposure to the future of marine technology, but their experiences and feedback will also contribute substantially to the evolution of the boating experience.

“At Volvo Penta we relentlessly seek to lower the threshold and enrich the experience at sea,” says Johan Inden, President of Volvo Penta’s marine business. “We decided early on to engage with Groupe Beneteau, our long-term partner, to explore the hybrid electric experience. This is a collaborative journey, enabling us to leverage their extensive client and dealer network, before we close the design process on this conceptual technology. We look forward to learning together to influence our future evolution of the boating experience.”

Over the course of the four-day event, Volvo Penta and Groupe Beneteau will gather invaluable insights from attendees to influence the future landscape. The event signifies a major stride in the ongoing quest to deliver sustainable, intuitive leisure boating experiences, enabling adventurers to discover and revel in life on the water.

 

This article was originally published on Marine & Industrial Report newspaper Vol 45 No.4 Issue last August 31, 2023.

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