Excess introduces Torqeedo hybrid system

alt="Excess introduces Torqeedo hybrid system"/>

Excess 15, the brand flagship

Excess has introduced its first model fitted with Torqeedo’s flagship Deep Blue Hybrid system, showing how owners can enjoy all onboard luxuries in good sailing weather without the noise and fumes of a running generator.

A unit of the Groupe Beneteau brand’s flagship Excess 15 was equipped with twin Deep Blue 50kW electric saildrives in cooperation with ZF, two Deep Blue high-capacity lithium-ion BMW i3 batteries, and a full energy-management system for harvesting green energy and charging the boat’s batteries while underway.

On the yacht’s first long test sail, the hydrogeneration system easily provided enough electricity to power 100 per cent of the onboard hotel loads at a cruising speed of seven to eight knots. Adding solar photovoltaics – planned for phase two of the Excess 15 with Deep Blue Hybrid project – will extend the system’s range and provide even more hybrid power and comfort on board.

Torqeedo is partnering Excess

“The first thing you notice is the noise reduction and improved manoeuvrability from the electric drives, even in tight quarters. The second is the abundance of power available with the large lithium-ion battery banks, while the energy management system keeps the owner constantly informed of how much power is being consumed and generated,” said Hervé Piveteau, Excess Product Manager, who among the first to sail the Excess 15 with Deep Blue Hybrid.

“The third is what we call ‘hybrid sailing’, which combines the use of wind and electric drives. The precision with which you can control the drives is incredible. Running at a very low rpm is ultraefficient and lets you carry the sails longer, essentially creating wind, with no compromise on sailing sensations nor the pleasure of silent navigation.”

Groupe Beneteau is currently undertaking hybrid engine projects across a wide variety of brands and boats in efforts to further reduce the carbon footprint of its products.

Torqeedo’s Deep Blue Hybrid electric saildrive

Thibaut de Montvalon, Excess Brand Director, said he had advocated for Excess to be “first in line” when Groupe Beneteau started discussing cooperation with Torqeedo.

“Sailing is all about efficiency; about being lean and in touch with nature. At Excess, we build catamarans for sailors, catamarans that connect the skipper to the wind and waves, but still offer enough amenities for friends and family to join the adventure with pleasure,” said Montvalon, whose former roles included Director of Groupe Beneteau Asia Pacific.

“The Excess 15 is the natural first step into the world of hybrid electric drives for oceangoing catamarans. Building a yacht that’s easy to own, fun to sail and in tune with nature is in the DNA of our brand.”

Phillip Goethe, Torqeedo’s Director of Project Sales, added: “Electric projects like the one we’re currently undertaking with Groupe Beneteau are defining the future of the marine industry. Creating partnerships to build a better, cleaner, and more enjoyable boating experience is what we do at Torqeedo. The Excess 15 shows us what’s possible.”