Legendary pioneers come together to create Frauscher Porsche electric boat
Two of the most prestigious names in their respective industries – Frauscher boats and Porsche automobiles – have come together to create a stunning new electric boat – the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air.
Porsche was founded in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche and Frauscher Boats in 1927 by Engelbert Frauscher. In 1955 Frauscher Bootswerft built their first electric boats, and two years later Ferry Porsche made his dream of a sports car a reality with the 356 model.
Today, Porsche is one of the most successful luxury sports car manufacturers in the world and Frauscher is Europe’s largest electric boat builder. Both companies have very similar values, are family-driven and focus on innovation, design and quality.
Stefan Frauscher, great grandson of Engelbert and now Frauscher’s Managing Director, Marketing & Sales, says “This cooperation with Porsche gives us the opportunity to expand our leadership role within the electric boat industry. There is growing social acceptance and active approval for electric boats, and our customers are also enjoying the advantages of electromobility: quiet, odorless and superior.”
Video of electric Frauscher 747 in action
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air takes the best designs and engineering of both companies. It is based on the 8.67 meter long and 2.49 meter wide hull of the existing Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser (with combustion propulsion), which has proven its outstanding handling characteristics.
Drive technology of new electric Macan
This is being paired with the drive technology of the future Porsche Macan electric SUV to create a boat that embodies the best of land and sea transportation: impressive acceleration, sporty pulling power, superior, permanently available performance and inspiring design.
The fossil fuel Macan SUV has been Porsche’s best-selling vehicle since 2016 and the all-electric version is being introduced for the 2024 model year. It will use the new modular Premium Platform Electric (PPE) concept developed by Volkswagen Group, which can support up to 603 horsepower (443 kiloWatts.)
Details on the power of the Frauscher x Porsche have not been released, but it will use the PPE’s permanent magnet synchronous electric motor (PSM), lithium-ion 800-volt battery pack with 100 kWh storage capacity and all the related power electronics. The boat can be charged at DC fast-charging stations or with lower voltage (and slower) AC charging.
“With the all-electric Macan, we have presented the sportiest model in its automobile segment,” says Jörg Kerner, head of the Macan series, “And we have transferred this ambition one-to-one to the boat. The fact that the latest edition electric motors, battery and charging management also work convincingly on the water speaks for our modular PPE technology.”
The two companies also worked very closely on the interior and amenities of the electric speedboat. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air can accommodate up to nine passengers in elegant style that extends to a bathing platform at the stern with spacious sunbathing area.
A centre aisle connects the rear of the yacht with the free-standing cockpit and helm. Studio F. A. Porsche was responsible for the look and ergonomics of the control station, steering wheel and main console with throttle and integrated displays.
Frauscher Porsche design collaboration
Porsche also played a key role in the upholstery and design of the benches in the bow area. Extra touches for the boat include two bimini tops for sun protection, an electric windlass with stainless steel anchor, a premium audio system and a refrigerator.
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air has been designed and engineered to be equally at home on serene inland waters or more demanding sea conditions. “Our boat is perfect as a day cruiser for a relaxing bathing trip or, for example, when used as a tender for a super yacht, for a trip to a coastal town,” says Stefan Frauscher.
The Frauscher-Porsche collaboration is not the first EV and E-boat partnership and is not likely to be the last. In August of 2022 Candela electric hydrofoiling boats announced they would be incorporating batteries and charging systems supplied by electric car maker Polestar.
Candela electric hydrofoiling boats to incorporate Polestar batteries
This extension to e-mobility on the water is an example of Porsche’s aim to be a pioneer in all sustainable mobility. Their first all-electric sports car, the Taycan, was introduced in 2019 and the company says ‘by 2030, more than 80 percent of the new vehicles we deliver are set to be fully electric’.
“We stand for modern, sporty and sustainable luxury – and we are redefining this concept,” said Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Board Member for Finance and IT at Porsche AG.
“Our goal is always to delight our customers and make their dreams come true. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air offers just as extraordinary performance and luxury experiences as our sports cars.”
Initially, an exclusive first edition of 25 850 Fantom Airs is planned, which can be pre-ordered via Frauscher and will be delivered to the first customers from 2024. The yacht is being built at the Frauscher shipyard in Ohlsdorf, Austria. Frauscher also takes on the complete sales logistics and after-sales management. Interested parties can register at www.frauscherxporsche.com.
Frauscher Boats Frauscher X Porsche
