PHOTO COURTESY VOLVO PENTAVolvo Penta last week hosted a soft launch of its hybrid-electric propulsion system with member of the press and dealers to gauge feedback before moving into production. The system, being developed in conjunction with Groupe Beneteau, was installed aboard a Jeanneau NC37.
“This innovative hybrid concept sets itself apart with a state-of-the art, fully integrated system. This includes Volvo Penta joystick docking and dynamic positioning system in electric mode, delivering a fine-tuned level of precision and control,” says Volvo Penta. “The electric motors and combustion engines work together to deliver responsiveness and a smooth acceleration boost. Volvo Penta’s control over the entire system — both the combustion engine and the electric driveline — guarantees a seamless experience and impeccable integration between power modes.”
The prototype system debuted at the Swedish manufacturer’s test center in Krossholmen, where the company first experimented with sterndrives and IPS.
The twin 60-kW electric motors, which are paired with 320-hp D4s and Aquamatic sterndrives, slid the NC37 silently from its slip and toward the channel. Aside from the quietness, the joystick maneuvering seemed even more responsive than the IPS joystick, thanks to the near instantaneous torque that electric propulsion provides.
The only aspect of the hybrid system not produced by Volvo Penta is the MB battery bank with eight subpacks — weighing 1,322 pounds — that lend the boat 67 kWh of capacity. That nets a three-hour, or 15 nautical miles, range at 5 knots and a top speed of 10 knots.
Pushing on the throttles in hybrid mode and bringing the engines to 1,500 rpm automatically engaged the diesel power for 37 knots of speed. Pulling back on the throttles, the motors returned to silent cruising at 1,200 rpm.
The calling card of this hybrid system might be its trio of charging options. Operators have the option to charge with shore power, while underway (up to 80% of battery capacity), or from the diesels while in a slip or on the hook, the most time-efficient method. With this option, operators should be able to restore a full charge within an hour and then power all the boat’s systems, including air conditioning, for days at a time.
The company has yet to release pricing for the system or when it will be available to consumers, but it’s expected that the industry will see the hybrid NC37 this fall in the United States, as Volvo Penta and Groupe Beneteau look to bring the product to market.
