Porsche and Frauscher Shipyard develop electric sports boat

An electric sports boat equipped with a Porsche Macan electric is being developed by Porsche and Frauscher Shipyard in Austria.

The 8.67-metre-long and 2.49m wide day cruiser based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air should see deliveries of 25 first edition units start in 2024 and it is expected to carry up to nine passengers.

Porsche aims to be a leader in sustainable mobility, which includes boats.

“We stand for state-of-the-art, high-performance and sustainable luxury – and we are redefining this concept,” says Porsche AG finance and IT executive board member and deputy chairman Lutz Meschke.

“The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, like our sports cars, offers exceptional performance and luxury experiences.”

Frauscher Shipyard marketing and sales chief executive Stefan Frauscher says electric drives are increasingly important in its 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,” he says.

“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,” Frauscher explains.

“Our boat is perfect as a day cruiser for a relaxed swimming trip, for example, or as a tender for a super yacht to make an excursion to a coastal town.”

Porsche uses its premium platform electric (PPE) on which the future all-electric Macan will be based.

The technology includes a 100kWh lithium-ion high voltage battery, a permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM) of the latest generation, and related power electronics.

Porsche’s 800-volt technology means the electric boat can be charged at AC and DC stations.

“The eFantom offers the e-performance typical of Porsche with excellent driving properties,” explains Macan production line vice president Jörg Kerner.

The rear swimming platform leads to a generous lounge area with two comfortable sun pads. A central aisle connects the back end of the yacht with the free-standing helm and the cockpit.

Two more upholstered benches are in the front end while the boat also includes two bimini tops for shade, an electric anchor winch with a stainless-steel anchor, a premium sound system and a refrigerator.

Porsche says it is investigating further applications for its powertrain in other boat sizes.

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