A Porsche on the water

Porsche and the Austrian boatyard Frauscher have jointly developed the 850 Fantom Air electric sports boat, which uses the drive technology of the future all-electric Macan. This includes a permanently excited synchronous electric machine, whose peak output has been limited to 400 kW for use on the water, and the power electronics. A shaft transmits the power from the electric machine to the marine-type Z-drive.

The electric motor of the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air sits in the rear of the boat, and the control units are housed water-protected in a box with Porsche lettering. The lithium-ion battery, also taken from the Macan, with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, is also located under the bed in the rear. For its suspension in the supporting frame, the engineers opted for so-called wire rope dampers: These absorb shocks particularly well, as they inevitably occur when driving fast and in waves.

Similar to cars or motorcycles, pre-programmed driving modes (Docking, Range, Sport and Sport Plus) can be used to select the appropriate drive characteristics for the e-Fantom. They change the characteristic curve of the throttle response and also include different speed limits. For example, in Docking mode for harbor cruising, the speed is limited to eight knots (the equivalent of 15 km/h). The optimum cruising speed is 41 km/h (22 knots). At this speed, the boat can cruise for around an hour or 45 kilometers on one battery charge. At slow, so-called displacement cruising, ranges of over 100 kilometers are possible. The top speed is achieved in Sport Plus mode and is a governed 85 km/h (46 knots). Customer-typical cruising with a mix of slow and fast speeds allows a cruising time of two to three hours, depending on the cruising profile. "This boat is a real milestone within the industry. The electric version of the Fantom Air is better than the combustion engine version in all driving characteristics such as top speed, acceleration and handling - and locally emission-free," says Managing Director Stefan Frauscher.

Thanks to Porsche's 800-volt technology, the electric boat can be charged at fast-charging stations with over 250 kW direct current. This allows the battery to be charged from ten to 80 percent SoC (State of Charge) in well under 30 minutes. AC charging with alternating current at conventional household and high-voltage outlets, such as those most commonly found in harbors, is also possible. On board for this.

Studio F. A. Porsche designed the helm station. Behind the frameless windshield of tinted acrylic sits the instrument panel in high-gloss black. The lateral ends are designed as winglets - stylistically reminiscent of the 911 and at the same time a practical grab handle. The five analog round instruments feature typical Porsche graphics. The e-Fantom is controlled via a steering wheel that is also typical of the brand and has been designed with materials suitable for nautical use. Its rim is covered with artificial leather, making it more resistant to salt water. In keeping with the house style, the start button is located to the left of the steering wheel. The Porsche designers also executed the two front seats with embroidered emblems in the style of the sports cars.

The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser. It takes over its 8.67-meter-long and 2.49-meter-wide hull almost unchanged externally and offers space for up to nine passengers. A spacious berth with two cushions adjoins the bathing platform at the stern. A center aisle connects the aft section of the boat with the freestanding helm station and cockpit. In the bow area there are two more upholstered benches made of durable imitation leather.

Additionally, the e-Fantom is equipped with two folding biminis that provide shade on sunny days. A cooling compartment and LED underwater lighting are also available. A high-end audio system with Bluetooth and WLAN connectivity is also on board as standard. It can be operated via the twelve-inch multi-information display. Echo sounder and chart plotter are integrated into the display concept. A bow thruster simplifies parking and unparking. Upholstery, hull and deck can be ordered in various colors. The entire color palette offered by Porsche for its road vehicles is available for selection.

The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air will celebrate its official world premiere in January at the "boot" trade fair in Düsseldorf. Initially, an exclusive First Edition of 25 units is planned, which can be ordered through Frauscher at prices starting at 561,700 euros net. (aum)