An electric boat, but powerful
Known for its high-performance, seaworthy boats, the Finnish company Axopar has decided to turn to electric motors.
Jan-Erik Viitala, founder of the yard, explains: "We found that there was a demand for smaller boats with reasonable range, all electric. The idea is to be able to use them everywhere, but especially in areas where the use of combustion engines is limited, such as in some waterways in Amsterdam, Switzerland or France."
The Axopar 25, an 8-meter-long model developed for electric motorization, like the Axopar 22, has been fitted with a 300-horsepower outboard from the motor manufacturer Evoy.
Jan-Erik Viitala continues: "The Axopar 22 and 25 were developed with electric mobility in mind and are ideally suited for this drive due to their weight, efficiency, balance and modular construction."
The first 300 horsepower electric outboard
The new Evoy motor is the first 300 horsepower electric outboard motor. Operating at 800 volts, it is powered by two 63 kWh Kreisel batteries. The maximum speed is 51 knots at 5,732 rpm, its maximum speed. Its cruising speed is between 20 and 25 knots, at which speed the autonomy ensures a distance of 25 miles. The fast recharge of the batteries takes about 1 hour. With a 32 ampere charger, it will take 4 hours.
Comfortable and fast navigation, but very limited autonomy
We had the opportunity to sail on board this first electric prototype in the bay of Cannes. Concerning the speed and the sensations at sea, we knew what to expect since we had the opportunity to try this same model the Axopar 25 is equipped with a 250 horsepower outboard motor. Thanks to its step hull, the Axopar 25 is fast and comfortable to sail.
If the objective of the shipyard is to propose a fast electric model to make short distances, we are not convinced by the concept. If at 20 knots, the autonomy is 25 miles and the consumption of 4,5 kW/mile, this one reduces very strongly at higher speed. At 29 knots, the autonomy is only 12 miles, a duration of about 36 minutes. Is it necessary to go fast?
A not so silent electric motor
It is rather at the level of the motorization that we were surprised. Indeed, even though it is electric, the engine is still rather noisy, just like a combustion engine. This observation made us realize that today, engine manufacturers have worked a lot on the soundproofing of their engine hoods, the noise coming mainly from the mechanical parts, especially the transmission.
Real-time consumption data and estimation
On the dashboard, all the engine and battery data are calculated in real time. This means that you can see in real time how many miles you have left to cover and how much sailing time you have left, depending on the speed of the boat. The monitor also displays all data relating to charging, battery capacity and records navigation data.
First models to be launched within a year
Jan-Erik Viitala concludes: " Today, batteries are derived from the automotive environment, which limits capacity and size, but as advances are made, these will be carried over into boating. This is a long-term project that will require long investments in infrastructure and sustainable, cost-effective solutions. The prototype electric day cruiser will interest and attract a new type of customer and bring more people to the water."
Axopar will continue to develop and optimize its electric-powered models. These should be ready for market launch in 8 to 12 months. While electric power is slowly developing in the marine industry, is the idea to continue to sail fast but light?
