Automobile manufacturers are not the only ones making the transition from internal combustion engines to electric powertrains. Increasingly, boat builders are joining the electric revolution, among them Austria-based Frauscher. Last week, the company unveiled the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, a boat that incorporates an electric motor adapted from Porsche’s forthcoming Macan EV.
The powertrain for the 28-foot 850 Fantom Air was developed by Porsche, including not only the electric motor but also the accompanying power electronics and battery system. The assembly features a single electric motor with a limited output of 536 horsepower, and it is accompanied by a battery having a gross capacity of 100 kilowatt-hours. These components are sourced from the yet-to-be-released Porsche Macan EV.
Situated at the rear of the boat, the electric motor is connected to a conventional marine Z-drive. The battery is also rear-mounted, situated beneath the lounge area of the boat and affixed using wire rope mounts. Porsche has indicated that these mounts are engineered to absorb the impact of the shocks produced when the boat navigates across water at high velocities.
The 850 Fantom Air offers multiple driving modes to modulate the performance of its powertrain. One such setting is the Sport Plus mode, which enables the boat to attain its top speed of 46 knots, equivalent to approximately 53 miles per hour. However, the range is compromised at this speed. According to Porsche, the ideal cruising speed for the 850 Fantom Air is 22 knots or about 25 miles per hour, at which the boat can function for just over an hour, covering a distance close to 28 miles.
Utilizing Porsche’s 800-volt technology, the boat’s battery can be recharged at rates as high as 250 kilowatts through a DC fast charger. Porsche states that this charging speed enables the battery to go from 10% to 80% charge in less than half an hour.
Production and deliveries of the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air are slated to commence in 2024. The initial 25 units will be marketed as a special-edition model with a price tag of 561,700 euros, approximately $591,400. The manufacturing process will be carried out at Frauscher’s shipyard located in Ohlsdorf, Austria.
Meanwhile, Porsche’s Macan EV is nearing the completion of its development phase. Scheduled for launch in early 2024, at least one variant of this electric vehicle will exceed 600 horsepower. The Macan EV is constructed on the Volkswagen Group’s dedicated PPE electric vehicle platform, which Audi is also planning to utilize for its upcoming Q6 E-Tron expected later this year.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air
What is the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air?
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is a 28-foot electric boat developed in collaboration between Austria-based Frauscher and Porsche. It utilizes a powertrain adapted from Porsche’s forthcoming Macan EV.
Who developed the powertrain for the 850 Fantom Air?
Porsche was responsible for the development of the powertrain, which includes not only the electric motor but also the associated power electronics and battery system.
What are the specifications of the electric motor and battery?
The boat features a single electric motor with an output capped at 536 horsepower. The battery has a gross capacity of 100 kilowatt-hours. Both components are sourced from the yet-to-be-released Porsche Macan EV.
Where are the motor and battery positioned on the boat?
The electric motor is situated at the rear of the boat and is connected to a conventional marine Z-drive. The battery is also mounted at the rear, beneath the lounge area, and is affixed using wire rope mounts designed to absorb shocks.
Does the boat have multiple driving modes?
Yes, the 850 Fantom Air has various driving modes, including a Sport Plus mode that enables the boat to reach its maximum speed of 46 knots, or roughly 53 miles per hour.
What is the boat’s ideal cruising speed and range?
According to Porsche, the optimal cruising speed for the 850 Fantom Air is 22 knots, or about 25 miles per hour. At this speed, the boat can operate for just over an hour, covering a distance of approximately 28 miles.
How fast can the boat’s battery be recharged?
Utilizing Porsche’s 800-volt technology, the battery can be charged at rates as high as 250 kilowatts through a DC fast charger. This allows the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge in less than 30 minutes.
When will the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air be available?
Production and deliveries are slated to commence in 2024. The first 25 units will be a special-edition model with a price tag of 561,700 euros, approximately $591,400.
Where will the boat be manufactured?
The boat will be produced at Frauscher’s shipyard located in Ohlsdorf, Austria.
What is the Porsche Macan EV?
The Porsche Macan EV is an upcoming electric vehicle from Porsche, currently in the final stages of development. It is expected to be launched in early 2024 and will offer at least one variant exceeding 600 horsepower.
More about Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air
- Frauscher Official Website
- Porsche Macan EV Overview
- Advanced Electric Boat Powertrains
- DC Fast-Charging Technology
- Luxury Electric Boats Market Report
- Volkswagen Group’s PPE Platform
- Audi Q6 E-Tron Announcement
10 comments
Boats are going electric too, huh. Good for the environment I guess, especially in marine ecosystems.
46 knots, that’s pretty darn fast for an electric boat. Cant wait to see it in action.
Porsche’s doin boats now? what’s next, planes? Lol.
So it’s got a Macan EV motor huh? Wonder how that translates to water. super curious!
Electric cars, electric boats… what’s next? Electric everything I hope.
Love that its electric, but man, that price tag. Guess being eco-friendly comes at a cost.
A Porsche boat, the epitome of luxury. If i had the cash, I’d be all over this!
At approximately $591,400, this is clearly for the high-end market. Wonder how many they’ll actually sell.
Wow, never thought I’d see the day when Porsche gets into boat making. That’s next level!
100 kWh battery and fast charging? That’s pretty solid for a boat, specially one that’s 28-foot long.