Porsche has teamed up with the prestigious Austrian boat company Frauscher to develop a luxury electric yacht. This is not the first time that two manufacturers linked to such disparate sectors have come together to create a cutting-edge product with the best of both worlds. We already saw before with the De Antonio Yachts D28 Formentor (Cupra), the LY 650 Luxury Yacht (Lexus) or the Bugatti Ninette 66.
Frauscher and Porsche have together created the zero-emission version of the Fantom Air. The 850 Fantom Air (eFantom) maintains its 8.67 meter long and 2.49 meter wide hull almost unchanged on the outside and offers space for up to nine passengers. At a mechanical level, it equips components of the Premium Electric Platform (PPE) on which the new Macan compact SUV is based.
This includes a state-of-the-art permanent magnet synchronous (PSM) electric motor, whose maximum power in the eFantom has been limited to 544 horsepower (400 kW). The propeller is located at the rear of the boat, while the controls are housed in a waterproof box with the Porsche logo. The lithium-ion battery, with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, also comes from the Macan and is also housed under the stern area.
For the suspension on the supporting frame, Porsche experts opted for cable mounts, which are especially good at absorbing the shocks that inevitably occur when sailing fast or in waves. As in the German brand’s cars, the yacht has driving modes, in this case navigation: Docking, Range, Sport and Sport Plus. Each of them modifies the throttle response and reaches different speed limits.
For example, Docking mode is designed for movements around the port at a maximum of eight knots (equivalent to 15 km/h). Optimal cruising speed is 41 km/h (22 knots); At that rate, one battery charge allows you to navigate for approximately one hour or about 45 kilometers. Top speed is reached in Sport Plus mode and is limited to 85 km/h (46 knots).
“This ship is a true milestone in the sector. It is better than the version with an internal combustion engine in both maximum speed, acceleration and maneuverability. And it is also free of local emissions,” said Stefan Frauscher, General Director of the Frauscher shipyard.
Thanks to Porsche’s 800-volt technology, the electric boat can be charged with more than 250 kW at direct current fast charging stations. Under ideal conditions, the battery will charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes. AC charging is also possible in conventional or high-voltage household sockets. According to Frauscher and Porsche experts, it will be the most common use case, since the infrastructure is available in most ports. As standard, there is an 11 kW AC charger on board. The charging sockets are located at the front left.
In addition to providing the propulsion system, Porsche has designed the bridge. The gloss black instrument panel sits behind the frameless tinted acrylic windshield. The side ends are designed as fins, a stylistic nod to the 911, and at the same time are practical handholds. Five analogue displays on the upper level of the display underline the sporty look and provide an overview of the most important data. On board there is a typical Porsche steering wheel, which has been made from special boat materials. The two front seats provide good lateral support. With raised backrests, integrated headrests and an engraved emblem, its appearance is inspired by the sports seats of road vehicles.
The rear area has two comfortable mats for sunbathing, while two other upholstered benches at the front end also invite you to relax. Folding bimini tops provide shade on sunny days. As standard, it is equipped with a high-end audio system with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity that can be operated through the 12-inch multifunction screen. It also has an electric anchor, stainless steel chain, LED ambient and underwater lighting, as well as a refrigeration compartment. The eFantom can be chosen with the color palette that Porsche offers for cars.
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air will celebrate its official world premiere in January 2024 at the Düsseldorf boot fair. The initial plan is an exclusive first edition of 25 units, which can be ordered from Frauscher from 561,700 euros net and which will be delivered to the first customers starting in 2024. Frauscher will be in charge of both the construction of the boat and the sales logistics. and after-sales management.
