Porsche's electric sports boat undergoes testing

author: FutureCar Staff    

The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is a unique high-performance luxury electric boat. In a groundbreaking move, Porsche unveiled the electric sports boat to the public and allowed test runs for the first time.

Stefan Frauscher, the managing director of Frauscher Shipyard, explained that the electric version of the Fantom Air surpasses the internal combustion engine version in terms of driving characteristics such as top speed, acceleration, and handling. Additionally, it is locally emission-free.

The collaboration between Porsche and Frauscher aims to push the electric boat segment further. While Frauscher has been building electric boats since 1955, this partnership will help advance the industry.

Stefan Frauscher, who is also the grandson of the company's founder, emphasized the increasing importance of electric drives in the industry. Customers are particularly pleased with electric boats due to their silence, lack of emissions, and reliability.

The electric boat shares the same dimensions as the 585 daycruiser but is equipped with components from the upcoming Porsche Macan EV. Porsche has adapted its drive technology, designed for future road vehicles, for use on the 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 100 kWh battery, derived from the Macan, is positioned under the lounge area at the rear end, with a branded waterproof box protecting the motor from the elements.

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 instance, docking mode limits speeds to eight knots, while sport plus mode enables the highest top speed, capped at 46 knots.

The electric boat's optimal cruising speed is 22 knots, providing approximately an hour of travel time. With a combination of slow and high-speed travel, the driving time can extend to about two to three hours, depending on the profile.

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

Porsche has incorporated elements from its iconic 911 into the design of the electric boat. The two leather seats, designed by Studio F.A. Porsche, feature raised backrests, integrated headrests, and an embroidered crest inspired by sports car seats. The boat also includes features such as a swimming platform at the rear, a lounge area, a 12-inch display screen, LED underwater lighting, and a cooling compartment.

Porsche presented the electric boat for the first time, allowing people to test it at Lake Garda. Orders for the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air are now open for the first 25 "first edition" models. Interested individuals can visit frauscherxporsche.com. 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, while the shipyard company will handle sales and logistics.

FutureCar Staff