The bluewater sailing configuration of the French model Excess 15 consists of twin Deep Blue 50 kW electric saildrives in cooperation with ZF, two Deep Blue high-capacity lithium-ion BMW i3 batteries, and a full energy management system for harvesting green energy and charging the boat’s batteries while underway.
On the yacht’s long test sail, the hydro generation system easily provided enough electricity to power one hundred percent of the onboard hotel loads at a cruising speed of seven to eight knots. Adding solar photovoltaics, planned for phase two of the Excess 15 with Deep Blue Hybrid project, will extend the system’s range and provide even more hybrid power and comfort on board.
Hervé Piveteau, Excess Product Manager, was one of the first to take the Excess 15 with Deep Blue Hybrid out for a sail.
“The first thing you notice is the reduction in noise and the improved maneuverability from the electric drives. Torqeedo makes it simple to maneuver the yacht even in tight quarters.“
“The second is the abundance of power available with the large lithium-ion battery banks. The energy management system keeps the owner constantly informed of how much power is being consumed and generated. Without even noticing it – without feeling as though you’re making any sacrifices, just seeing the energy flow of the yacht changes the way you behave and positively impacts your consumption.”
“The third interesting aspect of an electrically propelled catamaran is what we call ‘hybrid sailing’, which combines the use of wind and electric drives. The precision with which you can control the drives is incredible. Running at a very low rpm is ultra-efficient and lets you carry the sails longer, essentially creating wind, with no compromise on sailing sensations nor the pleasure of silent navigation,” says Hervé Piveteau.
“Onboard energy management and questions about alternative propulsion are some of our most popular topics on the Excess Lab,” says Hervé Piveteau. The Excess Lab is an online forum that connects Excess experts directly to their owners and potential owners. This open forum for questions, direct exchange, and collaboration is helping Excess bring progress into sailing. “The Excess Lab community is interested in onboard systems and technology, in what’s ahead. We knew hybrid propulsion was the right move and we were eager to take it on,” confirms Hervé Piveteau.
This project is part of a global Groupe Beneteau strategy, currently undertaking hybrid engine projects across a wide variety of brands and boats in an effort to further reduce the brand’s carbon footprint.
“Electric projects like the one we’re currently undertaking with Groupe Beneteau are defining the future of the marine industry,” says Phillip Goethe, Torqeedo’s Director of Project Sales. “Creating partnerships to build a better, cleaner, and more enjoyable boating experience is what we do at Torqeedo. The Excess 15 shows us what’s possible.”