Equipmake, the UK-based company pioneering the development and production of electrification products for the automotive, aerospace, bus, coach, and marine industries, has supplied an e-drivetrain system for a ‘world-first electric flying boat’.
For the project, Equipmake designed, developed, and manufactured a bespoke fully electric drivetrain, featuring a specially adapted version of its lightweight, power-dense, high-performance HPM-400 motor (it produces a peak power of 80kW) complete with an integrated gearbox. The drivetrain also features Equipmake’s own HPI-450 IGBT inverter and a 120kWh custom battery pack.
A collaboration between the yacht design and builder
www.spirityachts.com Spirit Yachts, and marine engineering company BAR Technologies, the new SpiritBARTech35EF is claimed to be the first of its kind to have a fast-cruising range of 100 nautical miles. The purpose-built 35ft electric ‘flying boat’ incorporates BAR Technologies’ America’s Cup simulation and design expertise and features a trio of ‘active retractable foils’ to help minimise drag.
The craft’s structure, which is constructed from a mix of titanium and cold-moulded wood with a carbon fibre reinforced shell, weighs just a tonne; and combined with the e-drivetrain from Equipmake it has a top speed of 28 knots (32mph) and can achieve its total range at a speed of 22 knots.
The project is the first time Equipmake’s electrification products and expertise have been applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market, which is estimated will be worth $16.6 billion by 2030. Following the success of the project, Equipmake and BAR Technologies are exploring further opportunities to collaborate and increase the potential market for Equipmake’s products in BAR Technologies’ systems.
John Cooper, BAR Technologies’ CEO, said: “We firmly believe that the future of this sector will be defined by developments in the sustainability and efficiency of vessels. We have been delighted to partner with Equipmake on its remarkable powertrain. Ian Foley and his team are true leaders in the field of electrification and share our ethos of lightweighting and competition-bred design and development. We look forward to exploring further opportunities to work together.”