Equipmake Supplies Cutting Edge E-drivetrain for Luxury Long-Range Electric Flying Boat

Equipmake, the UK-based engineering specialist pioneering the development and production of electrification products across the automotive, aerospace, bus, coach, and marine industries, has supplied an advanced e-drivetrain system for a world-first electric flying boat.  

For the project, Equipmake designed, developed and manufactured a bespoke fully electric drivetrain featuring a specially adapted version of its lightweight, power-dense, high-performance HPM-400 motors, producing peak power of 80kW, complete with an integrated gearbox. The drivetrain also features Equipmake’s HPI-450 IGBT inverter and a 120kWh custom battery pack.

A collaboration between modern classic yacht design and build experts, Spirit Yachts, and advanced marine engineering company BAR Technologies, the new SpiritBARTech35EF is claimed to be the first to have a fast-cruising range of 100 nautical miles. Using BAR Technologies’ America’s Cup simulation and design expertise, the purpose-built 35ft electric flying boat features a trio of active retractable foils to help minimise drag.

It is constructed from a mix of titanium and cold-moulded wood with a carbon fibre reinforced shell, a structure that weighs just a tonne. Combined with the advanced e-drivetrain from Equipmake, the SpiritBARTech35EF has a top speed of 28 knots/32mph and can achieve its full range at 22 knots.

The project is the first time Equipmake’s electrification products and expertise have been applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market, estimated to be worth $16.6 billion by 2030¹. Following the success of the project, Equipmake and BAR Technologies are exploring further opportunities to collaborate and increase the potential market for Equipmake’s products in BAR Technologies’ systems.

Ian Foley, CEO of Equipmake, said: “On behalf of everyone at Equipmake, I’m proud we have played a key role with Spirit Yachts and BAR Technologies on this incredible electric flying boat, which truly sets new standards for long-range electric vessels. Our in-house developed electrification technology has many varied high-performance applications, from aerospace to automotive, and the SpiritBARTech35EF is the perfect showcase for how it can be applied to the rapidly growing electric marine market.”

John Cooper, CEO of BAR Technologies, said: “We firmly believe that developments in the sustainability and efficiency of vessels will define the future of this sector. We have been delighted to partner with Equipmake on its unique powertrain. Ian Foley and his team are true leaders in the field of electrification and share our ethos of lightweight and competition-bred design and development. We look forward to exploring further opportunities to work together.”

Led by former F1 engineer Ian Foley, Equipmake has forged its reputation on advanced EV technology, delivering a suite of electrification solutions from cutting-edge electric motors to complete EV powertrains for a wide range of customers, serving the automotive, marine, mining, off-highway, and aerospace sectors.

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