Volvo Penta today announced a fully electric propulsion range for the IPS pod-drive platform. Initially developed for the commercial sector, the new IPS range includes twin, triple and quadruple configurations, and complements the hybrid-electric technology Volvo Penta introduced last year.
“We have built up strong expertise based on 20 years of efficient operation with more than 40,000 Volvo Penta IPS drivelines in operation, as well as recent successful market pilots in marine electrification,” company president Anna Müller said in a statement. “Our aim with this new range is to deliver a plug-and-play electric propulsion solution, keeping the uniqueness of our core competence but also designed to scale together with third-party integrators.”
Starting in the fourth quarter, Volvo Penta said it will roll out the IPS900E (up to 515 kW), followed by models like the IPS650E (up to 374 kW). The aim is to electrify all five drivelines in the IPS range, targeting power outputs from 220 kW to 1.1 MW per driveline and scaling up to 4.5 MW for quad installations.
