Porsche's Electric Sport Boat undergoes testing as orders become available

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is a unique high-performance luxury electric boat that offers an unparalleled experience. Porsche recently unveiled this electric sports boat to the public, allowing them to take it for test runs.

Stefan Frauscher, the managing director of Frauscher Shipyard, highlighted the advantages of the electric version compared to the one with an internal combustion engine. He emphasized that the electric Fantom Air excels in driving characteristics such as top speed, acceleration, and handling, while also being environmentally friendly.

Porsche and Frauscher joined forces to create this electric sports boat, leveraging the drive technology from the upcoming Porsche Macan EV. This partnership aims to push the boundaries of the electric boat segment even further.

Frauscher Shipyard has a long history of building electric boats since 1955, but this collaboration with Porsche will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of the industry. Stefan Frauscher, the grandson of the company's founder, acknowledges the increasing importance of electric drives in the boating industry. Customers appreciate electric boats for their silent operation, lack of emissions, and reliability.

The electric boat shares the same dimensions as the 585 daycruiser, measuring 8.67m long and 2.49m wide. However, it is equipped with components derived from the Porsche Macan EV, which is set to be released next year.

Porsche has adapted its drive technology, originally designed for future road vehicles, to be used on water. The electric boat incorporates components from Porsche's PPE platform, which will also be utilized in the Macan. This includes the electric motor (limited to 400 kW), battery, and power electronics.

The boat features a 100 kWh battery, adopted from the Macan, positioned beneath the lounge area at the rear end. To protect the motor from the elements, Porsche has included a branded waterproof box.

Porsche has programmed the boat with various drive modes, similar to its vehicles. These modes, including Docking, Range, Sport, and Sport Plus, offer different throttle responses and speed limits. For example, docking mode restricts speeds to eight knots, while Sport Plus mode allows for the highest top speed of 46 knots.

According to Porsche, the optimal cruising speed is 22 knots, providing approximately one hour of travel time. With a combination of slow and high-speed travel, the boat offers around two to three hours of driving time, depending on the profile.

Thanks to Porsche's 800V technology, the electric boat can be charged from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. Charging facilities are readily available in common locations, and the boat is equipped with an 11 kW AC charger as standard.

In terms of design, the electric boat incorporates elements from Porsche's iconic 911. The two leather seats, designed by Studio F.A. Porsche, feature raised backrests, integrated headrests, and an embroidered crest inspired by sports car seats. Additional features include a swimming platform at the rear, a lounge area, a 12-inch display screen, LED underwater lighting, and a cooling compartment.

Porsche unveiled the electric boat for the first time at Lake Garda, allowing people to test it. Orders for the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air are now open, with the first 25 "first edition" models available. Interested individuals can visit frauscherxporsche.com to place their orders. The starting price for the boat is €561,700 ($593,800), and the first customer deliveries are expected to commence next year. The boat will be manufactured at Frauscher Shipyard in Austria, with the shipyard company handling sales and logistics.

FutureCar Staff