Electric boats are growing worldwide, and one of the latest is the German-US company Voltaire Electric Yachts.
The German-US company has developed an entirely new concept of powerboat with a holistic approach to zero-emission, sustainability, performance and luxury. The underlying goal is to build recreational boats that are fit for the seas of tomorrow.
The groundbreaking Voltaire 33 SKY is the first model of Voltaire Electric Yachts and is designed as an open day boat for coastal water cruising with an impressive range of more than 100nm. The 9.9m vessel has two slim racing hulls for maximum efficiency and high stability.Â
The exterior of the Voltaire 33 SKY has been designed by Jonas Hertwig and is characterised by dynamic shapes and distinctive chines. The slim hulls have reversed bows and are complemented with a dynamic yet elegant silhouette. On deck, the Voltaire 33 SKY offers space on one level in a size comparable to a 12m monohull boat. A large dining area aft and a spacious cocktail lounge at the bow are the key areas for relaxation and socialising. With the bow table lowered, a 3.5 m x 1.8 m sun pad offers unrivalled dimensions in this class. Both areas can be covered with a large sunshade. A spacious bathroom on the starboard side provides standing height and ample light through the side window. The wet-bar opposite comes with a sink as well as a large fridge and can be fitted with a coffee machine or gas barbecue.
A unique feature lies in the catamaran design itself. The twin-hull structure results in enormous stability, creating a stable platform for relaxation even in a busy bay. With the stern door closed, this yacht offers a safe environment also for smaller crew members.Â
Zero-Emission & Sustainable materials
The Voltaire 33 SKY has been designed with the focus on long-range cruising. The boat offers a range of 100 nm at a speed of 9 knots and a calculated top speed of 17 to 20 knots. Torqeedo and BMW supply the power train of the Voltaire 33 SKY. Two Deep Blue engines with the joint power of 100 kW are linked to shaft-drives, enabling a high net power at the propellers.Â
The shaft drives also give the boat the ability to beach on sandy shores. Two 42 kWh BMW i3 batteries supply the power for the engines and hotel loads. An optional 600 Wp solar unit can be integrated into the T-Top. The Voltaire 33 SKY has a nine-year warranty on the BMW batteries, worldwide service for the propulsion system and can be insured with regular insurance.
Unlike most contemporary boats made of glass fibre reinforced polyester, Voltaire yachts are made of flax-fibre-composite with bio epoxy resin. Besides the sustainable sourcing of the materials, flax composite offers advanced technical properties such as enhanced insulation and complete water tightness.Â
While more luxury shipyards are offering flax-fibre-composite as a building material, Voltaire will be the first serial boat builder implementing flax as the standard material for its boats, making a statement towards a cleaner boat production.Â
 The Voltaire 33 SKY can be ordered from July 2020 for spring 2021 delivery and will be manufactured at the Daedalus Yachts factory in North Carolina, USA.
