International media and interested parties had the opportunity to test the new Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air for the first time in Italy. Equipped with the drive technology of the future all-electric Porsche Macan, the electric sports boat offers outstanding driving characteristics. “This boat is the result of a great collaboration between two passionate companies with a strong tradition and high standards of innovation,” said Detlev von Platen, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing at Porsche AG, during a presentation of the first production model on Lake Garda. “The eFantom offers everything that Frauscher and Porsche products have always promised: outstanding performance and luxurious experiences, the highest quality and exclusive, timeless design.”
Powerful e-performance and four modes for every driving situation
For use on the water, Porsche has adapted and further developed its drive technology designed for road vehicles. The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air uses components from the Premium Electric Platform (PPE), on which the new Macan will also be based. These include, among other things, a latest-generation permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor (PSM), whose peak power has been limited to 400 kW for use in the eFantom, and the associated power electronics. A shaft transmits the power from the electric motor to the typical marine sterndrive. The electric motor is located in the rear of the boat, the control units are housed in a water-protected box with Porsche lettering. The lithium-ion battery with a gross capacity of 100 kWh, which has also been adopted from the Macan, is also located under the lying area in the rear area. For their suspension in the support frame, the engineers opted for so-called wire rope dampers: These absorb shocks, which inevitably occur during fast driving and swelling, particularly well. Thus, the Frauscher x Porsche eFantom glides comfortably over the water despite its sporty overall orientation. Similar to Porsche road cars, the appropriate drive characteristics can be selected with the help of pre-programmed driving modes. The eFantom allows the settings Docking, Range, Sport and Sport Plus. The modes change the characteristics of the throttle response and also include different speed limits. For example, in docking mode for harbour cruising, the speed is limited to eight knots (the equivalent of 15 km/h). The optimal cruising speed is 41 km/h (22 kn). At this speed, you can cruise for about an hour or about 45 kilometers on a single battery charge. With slow, so-called displacement driving, ranges of over 100 kilometers are possible. The top speed is reached in Sport Plus mode and is limited to 85 km/h (46 knots). Customer-specific journeys with a mix of slow and fast journeys make it possible to
driving profile a driving time of two to three hours. “This boat is a real milestone within the industry. The electric version of the Fantom Air is better than the variant with a combustion engine in all driving characteristics such as top speed, acceleration and handling – and at the same time locally emission-free,” said Stefan Frauscher, Managing Director of Frauscher Bootswerft.
More than 250 kW charging power possible
Thanks to Porsche’s 800-volt technology, the electric boat can be charged at DC fast-charging stations with over 250 kW of direct current. The battery can be charged from ten to 80 percent SoC (State of Charge) in well under 30 minutes. AC charging with alternating current on conventional household and high-voltage connections is also possible and, according to the experts from Frauscher and Porsche, will be the most common use case because the corresponding infrastructure is available in most ports. An 11 kW AC charger is on board as standard. The charging ports are located at the front of the left bench.
Porsche’s design signature
The electric sports boat is not only powered by Porsche. Studio F. A. Porsche is also responsible for the design of the steering position. Behind the frameless windshield made of tinted acrylic glass sits the instrument panel in high-gloss black. The side ends are designed as winglets – stylistically reminiscent of the 911 and at the same time a practical handle. The five analogue round instruments with typical Porsche graphics underline the sports car appearance and provide information about the essential data. The eFantom is controlled via a typical Porsche steering wheel, which has been designed with suitable materials for nautical use. Its wreath is covered with imitation leather and is therefore more resistant to salt water. As is typical for Porsche, the start button is located to the left of the steering wheel. The two front seats were designed by the designers of Studio F. A. Porsche. In line with the high e-performance, they offer a lot of lateral support. Its look, with raised backrests, integrated headrests and embroidered crest, is inspired by the sports seats of road cars.
Day cruiser with extensive standard equipment
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air is based on the Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser. It adopts its 8.67-metre-long and 2.49-metre-wide fuselage almost unchanged from the outside and offers space for up to nine passengers. The bathing platform at the stern is connected to a spacious lying area with two comfortable cushions. A central aisle connects the aft part of the boat with the free-standing helm station and cockpit. In the bow area, two more upholstered benches invite you to linger. The seats are upholstered in durable imitation leather. Customers have a wide range of colours at their disposal to configure their boat individually. In addition, the eFantom is equipped with two foldable biminis that provide shade on sunny days. A high-end audio system with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity is also standard. It can be operated via the twelve-inch multi-information display. Integrated into the display concept are echo sounders and chart plotters. A bow thruster simplifies parking and exiting. It is also standard on board, as is the electric stainless steel anchor with stainless steel chain, LED ambient lighting, LED underwater lighting and a refrigerator compartment. Just as hardly any Porsche road vehicle is alike to the other, individuality is also very much in demand when it comes to boats. That’s why the upholstery, hull and deck can be ordered in different colors. You can choose from the entire colour palette offered by Porsche for its road cars.
First Edition of 25 boats already available to order
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air will celebrate its official world premiere in January 2024 at the “boot” trade fair in Düsseldorf. Initially, an exclusive first edition of 25 units is planned, which can be ordered from Frauscher at prices starting at 561,700 euros net and is to be delivered to the first customers from 2024. Interested parties can register on www.frauscherxporsche.com. The boat will be built at the Frauscher shipyard in Ohlsdorf, Austria. Frauscher is also responsible for sales logistics and after-sales management.
