Electric evolution: Porsche's power moves extend to the open water

FRaucher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air (motorauthority.com)

Porsche Collaborates with Frauscher for High-Performance Electric Boat

It’s not just the automotive world that’s transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric power; boat builders are joining the electric revolution too. Austrian boat manufacturer Frauscher recently unveiled the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, a high-performance electric boat featuring technology borrowed from the upcoming Porsche Macan EV.

Porsche played a pivotal role in developing the powertrain for the 28-foot 850 Fantom Air, which includes the electric motor, power electronics, and a 100 kWh battery. The boat is equipped with a single electric motor, limited to 536 horsepower, and an impressive 800-volt battery system. Both components are adapted from the Macan EV.

The electric motor is situated at the boat’s rear and connects to a standard marine Z-drive, while the battery is positioned beneath the lounge area, suspended using wire rope mounts designed to absorb shocks when cruising at high speeds. The 850 Fantom Air offers various modes, including a Sport Plus mode for reaching a top speed of 46 knots (approximately 53 mph). However, the optimal cruising speed is around 22 knots (25 mph), allowing the boat to run for just over an hour, covering about 28 miles.

Thanks to Porsche’s 800-volt technology, the battery can be rapidly charged at rates of up to 250 kW using a DC fast charger, achieving a 10-80% charge in under 30 minutes.

Deliveries of the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air are set to commence in 2024, with the first 25 units being a special-edition model priced at approximately $591,400 (561,700 euros). Production will take place at Frauscher’s shipyard in Ohlsdorf, Austria.

As for Porsche’s electric future on the road, the Macan EV is nearing its final development stages and is scheduled for launch in early 2024. This electric SUV, based on the Volkswagen Group’s dedicated PPE EV platform, promises over 600 horsepower and represents another significant step in Porsche’s electrification journey. Audi will also leverage the same platform for its Q6 E-Tron, expected later the same year.