PHOTO COURTESY VOLVO PENTA Volvo Penta announced a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system that pairs D13 IPS setups with a 160-kW electric motor and optimized batteries.
The electric motor and diesel work in parallel on the same driveshaft in pure electric and hybrid modes. In crossover mode, one diesel propels both drives to optimize efficiency and prolong operation time between required maintenance. Depending on the drive mode, the system automatically controls which power source — electric, diesel or both — propels the vessel.
“Our Volvo Penta hybrid-electric package integrates state-of-the-art technology to deliver exceptional performance,” Johan Inden, president of marine business at Volvo Penta, said in a statement. “Adapting our unique features for electric — such as DPS, assisted docking and joystick driving — for hybrid and electric use, we continue to innovate and explore with the aim to deliver an unrivaled experience on the water.”
Volvo Penta uses its Electronic Vessel Control with joystick driving and docking, dynamic positioning and assisted docking in electric and hybrid modes. The helm has the engine maker’s Glass Cockpit with
A hybrid-electric interface in the Glass Cockpit displays such functions as drive and battery status. The system monitors engine status and has remote diagnostics and data sharing capabilities. Software updates can be made remotely through Volvo Penta’s global service network.
Volvo Penta said it expects to start delivering the D13 IPS hybrid-electric package at the end of 2025.
