Danish yacht builder X-Yachts has thrown its weight behind the electric mobility revolution with the launch of its first all-electric boat. Called the X49E, the 15.08m boat has been a close collaboration between a very motivated owner and the yard\u2019s expert technical team. It has also been a question of careful timing according to X-Yachts\u2019 CEO Kraen Nielsen.
\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t want to be first movers on this area, but preferred to wait until technology and knowledge had matured properly,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd I\u2019m really happy to say that the time is finally right to present the first X-Yacht with electric propulsion.\u201d
\nThe beating heart of the system is the propulsion package designed by Finland\u2019s Oceanvolt, with twin 10kW electric drives hooked up to 28.8kWh of lithium-ion batteries running at 48V. Variable pitch propellers make for super-efficient propulsion and, when running under sail, regeneration to recharge the batteries. Add in solar panels and a highly efficient DC generator to extend range, and you have a flexible package.<\/p>\n
X-Yachts calculates that the twin drives will be able to push the boat at a top speed of 7.3 knots. With the efficient hull shape drawn by the X-Yachts design team, the boat has a range of 9-12 nautical miles maxed out in electric mode. At 5 knots, the range more than doubles to between 22 and 30 nautical miles, depending on sea state and wind. At 4 knots, the range could touch 50 miles without starting the DC generator.
\n\u201cEvery X-Yacht is designed with performance in mind \u2013 and the X4\u2079E is no exception,\u201d said Technical Manager John Morsing. \u201cThe hybrid concept on build number one has been chosen to make long-distance crossings possible without worrying about range limitations. When the DC generator is started and supplying the two Servoprops with 10-11kW of power, the boat is able to sail at 6.4 knots for as long as there\u2019s fuel on board.\u201d<\/p>\n
Regeneration is a key element of the system, because it allows the boat to generate her own power when sailing. Using Oceanvolt\u2019s variable pitch system effectively supercharges the regeneration technology by optimising the angle of the propeller\u2019s blades for maximum turning power \u2013 perfectly matching the speed of the water. In this way, the boat can generate up to 3kW \u2013 enough to fully recharge the battery bank in under 10 hours. The drag runs from negligible to around 2 knots, depending on boat speed.
\nHull number one will be sailed intensively by her new owner, who plans plenty of long-distance cruising and racing, as well as a transatlantic run at some point. \u201cTo commit to an electric saildrive is a mindset and perhaps a changed way of life at sea,\u201d he said. \u201cSailing is all about harnessing the wind for energy and pleasure \u2013 X-Yachts and Oceanvolt have taken this mindset to the next level.\u201d<\/p>\n
X-Yachts takes the sustainability of its yachts seriously, and already builds with close to 100 per cent green Danish electricity at its Haderslev shipyard. It is also the main sponsor of the Race for Oceans Foundation, which aims to clean up plastic pollution at sea. But the yard is also committed to exceptional standards of design and build quality, which is why it has bided its time on electric propulsion.
\nX-Yachts has always prided itself on its craftsmanship and innovation, using state-of-the art build techniques and the highest quality materials to deliver safe, fast yachts that offer superior sailing pleasure. Vacuum infusion using epoxy resin and Corecell foam is allied to rod rigging, real teak decking and the leading brands for deck hardware. Production cost is not the yard\u2019s main focus. It prioritises features and the best equipment, no matter the cost.<\/p>\n
In the end, X-Yachts has shown time and again that performance and comfort go hand in hand. A yacht that sails efficiently, accelerates well, heels less and punches through waves better is faster, safer and more enjoyable. And it is more sustainable, too, requiring less power to drive it forward \u2013 something the X49E capitalises on. So, in many ways, electric propulsion was the natural next step for a brand that puts the sailing experience front and centre.
\nThe post X-Yachts launches its first hybrid boat with electric propulsion appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Danish yacht builder X-Yachts has thrown its weight behind the electric mobility revolution with the launch of its first all-electric boat. Called the X49E, the 15.08m boat has been a close collaboration between a very motivated owner and the yard\u2019s … <\/p>\n