Porsche, the renowned sports car manufacturer, has joined forces with the prestigious Frauscher Shipyard in Austria to create a groundbreaking electric sports boat. The collaboration aims to bring Porsche’s expertise in sustainable mobility to the water, setting new standards with the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air. This innovative yacht combines exceptional performance, luxurious features, and the latest electric drive technology, drawing inspiration from Porsche’s highly acclaimed Taycan sports saloon.
Lutz Meschke, Deputy Chairman and Member of the Executive Board for Finance and IT at Porsche AG, expressed the brand’s commitment to redefining state-of-the-art, high-performance, and sustainable luxury. Meschke stated, “Our goal is to inspire our customers and make their dreams come true. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, like our sports cars, offers exceptional performance and luxury experiences.”
Stefan Frauscher, CEO responsible for Marketing & Sales at the Frauscher Shipyard, highlighted the increasing importance of electric drives in the industry. He emphasized the advantages of electromobility, such as its quietness, odorlessness, and reliability. Frauscher Shipyard, founded in 1927 and a pioneer in electric boat manufacturing since 1955, sees the collaboration with Porsche as an opportunity to further solidify its leading role in the field. Both companies share common values, being family-run businesses with a strong focus on innovation, design, and quality.
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is based on the popular Frauscher 858 Fantom Air daycruiser, maintaining its impressive 8.67-meter length and 2.49-meter width. Porsche has leveraged its cutting-edge drive technology designed for road vehicles to optimize and further develop the boat’s performance. The state-of-the-art automotive drive technology from Porsche’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE), which forms the foundation of the upcoming all-electric Macan model, has been integrated into the yacht. This includes a lithium-ion high-voltage battery with a total capacity of approximately 100 kWh, a latest-generation permanently excited synchronous electric motor (PSM), and associated power electronics. Thanks to Porsche’s 800-volt technology, the electric boat can be conveniently charged at DC fast-charging stations, with AC charging also available.
Jörg Kerner, Vice President Product Line Macan, highlighted the ambitious goal of creating the sportiest model in its segment with the all-electric Macan, and how this ambition has been carried over to the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air. Kerner stated, “The eFantom offers the E-Performance typical of Porsche with excellent driving properties. The performance and versatility of our modular Premium Platform Electric technology are testament to its excellence.”
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air can accommodate up to nine passengers, providing a spacious and comfortable experience. The yacht features a generous lounge area with two sun pads accessible from a swimming platform at the rear. A central aisle connects the back end of the yacht to the helm and cockpit, while two additional upholstered benches in the front end offer additional relaxation space. Designed by Studio F.A. Porsche, the helmstand showcases Porsche’s signature design elements and houses the steering wheel and main console with integrated displays.
Porsche’s involvement in the boat’s design extends to the seats and upholstery, ensuring high-performance and luxurious features. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air also includes two bimini tops for shade, an electric anchor winch with a stainless steel anchor, a premium sound system, and a refrigerator.
Anticipated to be available from 2024, the Frauscher x Porsche electric yacht offers a unique and sustainable way to explore harbors, bays, inland waters, and open lakes. Its emission-free and silent operation allows for an enjoyable and eco-friendly boating experience. Furthermore, the yacht is suitable for rough waters and can be taken out to sea, serving as an ideal daycruiser or a tender for larger yachts. The Frauscher Shipyard plans to release an exclusive first edition of 25 units, which can be pre-ordered through their website, with deliveries set to begin in 2024.
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air will be built at the Frauscher Shipyard in Ohlsdorf, Austria. Frauscher will handle all sales logistics and after-sales management, ensuring a seamless experience for customers.
Porsche’s collaboration with Frauscher Shipyard represents a significant step towards their vision of sustainable mobility, expanding their influence beyond the racing and road car domain. The innovative electric yacht combines the best of Porsche’s performance, design, and technological excellence, promising an exhilarating and luxurious experience on the water.
