Porsche has adapted and further developed its drive technology designed for road vehicles for use on the water.
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The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air uses components of the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) on which the new Macan is based. This includes a state of the art permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM), whose peak power for use in the eFantom has been limited to 400 kW, and the associated power electronics. A shaft transmits the power from the electric motor to the characteristic marine Z drive. The electric motor sits in the back of the boat while the controls are housed in a waterproof box emblazoned with the Porsche logo.
The lithium ion battery with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, likewise adopted from the Macan, is also located under the lounge area at the rear end. For the suspension in the support frame, the experts at Porsche opted for wire rope mounts, which are particularly good at absorbing the shocks that inevitably occur while driving fast and in waves. The Frauscher x Porsche eFantom glides comfortably over the water despite its sporty overall orientation.
Similar to on road vehicles from Porsche, pre programmed driving modes can be used to select the appropriate drive characteristics depending on the situation. The eFantom offers the Docking, Range, Sport and Sport Plus settings. The modes change the characteristic curve of the throttle response while also featuring different speed limits. For example, in Docking mode for harbour driving, the speed is limited to eight knots (the equivalent of 15 km/h).
The optimum cruising speed is 41 km/h (22 kn). At this speed, a battery charge can be used for cruising for about one hour or about 45 kilometres. When driving at hull speed, ranges of more than 100 kilometres are possible. The top speed is reached in Sport Plus mode and is capped at 85 km/h (46 kn). Typical customer trips with a mix of slow and high speed travel allow a journey time of two to three hours, depending on the driving profile. ■
