BEV boat unveiled at Cannes Film Festival

BMW and boat builder Tyde have launched the world premiere of battery electric boat The Icon at the Port de Cannes during the 76th Cannes Film Festival.

A pair of 100kW electric motors convert the 24kWh of energy supplied by six batteries from the BMW i3 into 100km (50 nautical miles) range, providing a 24knot operating speed and a 30knot (55km/h) maximum speed.

The Icon is 13.15 metres long and uses hydrofoils.

BMW developed the concept with innovation hub Designworks doing the boat’s design, and an exclusive soundtrack composed by award-winning film score luminary Hans Zimmer on its Dolby Atmos system.

The Icon offers luxury mobility with innovations from yacht racing enabling electrification and decarbonisation on the water.

Hydrofoils reduce the energy requirement by up to 80% compared with a conventional hull.

Its body comprises a very flat hull and a central support element for the transparent architecture, and the prism-like form enables a width of 4.5 metres in the rear section – creating a very spacious entrance into the luxurious lounge.

Large glass surfaces along the side allow passengers an extraordinary view while they glide above the water, while modern LED light strips are at the bow and stern, and on the charging connection points.

Angled glass doors access a lounge area with artistically designed furniture on a luxurious carpet.

It has 360-degree rotating seats, and a tablet-based infotainment system.

The craft’s command station is on the deck’s centre and includes a digital control unit with 32-inch touchscreen display. Key functions such as range information and weather reports can be called up using voice commands.

The fully production-ready example doesn’t generate waves or a wake.