Volvo Penta electric-hybrid announced for yachts and commercial boats

Volvo Penta, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of boat and ship motors, has announced a hybrid-electric propulsion package for both recreational yachts and commercial vessels.

The system integrates a 160 kW (≈ 220 hp) electric marine engine with any of the brand’s four D13 models (700, 800, 900 and 1,000 hp), set up so that the electric machine and diesel engine work in parallel on the same drive shaft.

This enables three drive modes: Pure Electric, Hybrid, and Cross-Over, where one diesel engine powers both drives. Additionally, the combustion engine can serve as a generator to recharge batteries during the voyage or when docked.

Volvo Penta electric-hybrid has 3 drive modes

The new system works the same way automobile hybrids work, automatically switching modes when the load changes. The diesel will be used when accelerating, then the mode automatically switches to Cross-Over or Pure Electric when cruising (depending on speed and water conditions).

It’s the ‘brain’ of the hybrid-electric propulsion package, Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system, that determines the best drive mode. The new hybrid-electric interface shows functions such as drive modes and battery status. In commercial vessels, Type Approved Display (TAD) screens ensure compliance and reliability.

It also integrates features like Joystick Driving, Joystick Docking, Low Speed Mode, Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), and Assisted Docking in both Pure Electric and Hybrid modes. Engine status monitoring, remote diagnostics, data sharing, and software updates are coordinated through the EVC and cloud to provide support through Volvo Penta’s global service network.

The extensive energy stored in the battery bank allows for off-grid living onboard yachts, with battery energy powering all onboard ‘hotel’ needs and drastically reducing generator run-time.

For commercial operators, the reduced noise and vibrations in electric mode promote better working conditions for crew members and enhance passenger comfort during extended operations.

One of the key benefits, for both yacht and commercial owners is that the system permits a vessel to enter the growing number of emission-free zones and facilitate operations in environmentally regulated areas. It is fully compliant with IMO II/III and EPA Tier 3 standards.

Battery bank runs yacht hotel load

IMO – the International Maritime Organization – is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. The EPA Tier 3 standards are set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

“Our hybrid-electric propulsion package represents a significant step forward in marine technology, combining innovation with seamless performance to meet the demands of both leisure yachts and commercial vessels,” said Johan Inden, President of the Marine Business at Volvo Penta.

As one of the largest marine motor manufacturers in the world, Volvo Penta announcing this latest electric-hybrid is an important signal for the advancement and acceptance of electric propulsion.

Read all of Volvo Penta’s electrification moves in Plugboats

The company has already made a few moves toward electrification, having announced in 2019 that by 2021 it would provide electrified power solutions for both its land and sea-based business segments. Later that year it worked with Fountaine-Pajot to introduce an electric saildrive at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Volvo became a majority owner in marine battery and electric driveline solutions supplier ZEM AS in 2021 and also announced a joint partnership in 2022 with high power motor manufacturer Danfoss Editron to boost electrification in the industrial marine sector.

Delivery of the Volvo Penta D13 IPS hybrid-electric propulsion package is set to begin at the end of 2025, available for both leisure yachts and commercial vessels.

Volvo Penta