Your guide for
Electric yachts
DISCOVER THE LUXURY OF SILENCE
WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF AN ELECTRIC YACHT?
With an electric yacht, not only you enjoy the luxury of silence, but also the fauna benefits from their silent yacht. Because, what many yacht owners are not even aware of, the noise emission of the yacht causes stress and problems with orientation for marine animals. In addition, CO² emissions are significantly lower for an electric yacht than its combustion engine counterpart. Depending on the configuration of the yacht, CO² emissions are even zero. In addition, many manufacturers focus on a low environmental footprint in the production of the supporting solar cells and the batteries. The statement that rechargeable batteries have a larger footprint than a comparable internal combustion engine is heard again and again, but it is widely considered to be refuted.
Focus on sustainability
Sustainable mobility does not stop at the road. We have made it our mission to help you find the right electric yacht. Take a look at the sustainable solutions on the water now and compare them to find out if, for example, a solar yacht with SWATH is right for you.
What is the relevance of the electric propulsion system on the water?
Electromobility is becoming increasingly relevant in road traffic. But what about water traffic? Electric drives are already being used as partial or full propulsion in shipping. The spectrum ranges from small all-electric ferries to large hybrid passenger ships. It is therefore hardly surprising that the Volkswagen Group has designed an electric yacht together with the SEAT design brand CUPRA and the manufacturer Silent Yachts, which uses the Modular E-Drive Toolkit (MEB). But news that VW chief strategist Michael Jost is leaving the company to become a member of Silent Yachts’ expert advisory board also points to an increasing relevance of electric yachts. Also Nico Rosberg who has shown a high level of commitment to sustainability and e-mobility since leaving Formula 1, is also involved as a Brand Ambassador for Sunreef Yachts Eco. In a small survey, 98% of participants indicated that electric drive systems for yachts is an important topic for the future.
WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER A YACHT WITH ELECTRIC PROPULSION SYSTEM?
An electric propulsion system is the perfect solution for you if you are looking for a future-proof and sustainable solution for your yacht. Because even on the water, the future of the diesel engine is uncertain. If you now want to opt for a diesel engine out of “range anxiety“, we can reassure you. By means of the current innovative electric drive systems, you are already able to cover long distances completely emission-free. Even if the conditions are not in favor of the electric motor, that is, the solar panels on board could not produce enough power for the batteries, most electric yachts have a fuel-powered generator on board.
The future is all-electric
In this case, the generator kicks in and produces electricity for the batteries so that the electric motor can continue to be driven. Thus, you do not run the risk of not being able to continue your trip due to lack of electricity. For the fuel for the generator, manufacturers rely on both diesel and hydrogen. We see the future mainly in models with a hydrogen-powered generator, but diesel has the great advantage of being available everywhere. If you are looking for a truly sustainable solution, the generator or the whole yacht should run on hydrogen, making your yacht fully electric.
Lower operating costs
Although an electric yacht has a higher purchase price than a comparable yacht with an internal combustion engine, the electric yacht is less expensive overall. This is due to the significantly lower operating costs. Many routes can be covered purely electrically thanks to the photovoltaic system. In addition, maintenance costs are significantly lower due to the reduced number of wear parts.