Electric mobility is taking to the water, thanks to BMW i. The same batteries and technology that power the BMW i3 electric vehicle (EV) now propel Torqeedo's Deep Blue electric drive.
Torqeedo is a leader in water-based electromobility. Founded in 2005, it is based at Lake Starnberg in Bavaria, a body of water until now probably more notable as the place where authorities ruled that Bavaria's "Mad" King Ludwig II committed suicide by drowning, even though the lake was only waist deep and no water was found in the monarch's lungs.
Today, Torqeedo is pairing its high-performance Deep Blue electric drive with the BMW i3's lithium-ion batteries from BMW Plant Dingolfing. Torqeedo's marine drives propel everything from the smallest motorboats to sailing yachts, ferries, and water taxis.
BMW i's high-voltage batteries allow an environment-friendly, cost-effective, silent alternative to conventional boat propulsion systems. Dr. Alexander Kotouc, BMW i product management chief, explained, “We see the decision by Torqeedo to use BMW i high-voltage batteries for their Deep Blue propulsion system as further evidence that we can build the drive systems of the future without any need for compromise on performance, innovation, and sustainability. This successful transfer of the latest automotive technology to the water is testament to the value of the integrated approach that underpins BMW i.”
The BMW i3's battery pack consists of eight modules, with each module comprising twelve cells. Connectors, cables, monitoring sensors, and heating and cooling systems were also developed specifically for BMW i.
Part of the attraction of the i3's battery pack for Torqeedo was the plug-and-play usability that BMW designed into the unit. This lets Torqeedo use the BMW i battery pack with electric motors in both inboard and outboard units and hybrid systems up to 160 horsepower. Currently, the Deep Blue drive is offered in 40 and 80 horsepower versions. The 80-horsepower model can propel a craft at 4 knots up to 65 nautical miles, while the same unit at full throttle can maintain a speed between 19 and 29 knots for 10 to 15 nautical miles. All of these figures are dependent on type of boat, propeller, and conditions.
“The BMW i high-voltage batteries are a model of extraordinary reliability and performance for electric mobility,” said Christoph Ballin, Torqeedo's co-founder and CEO. “They allow us to deliver state-of-the-art electric propulsion technology and integrated energy management for leisure craft and commercial marine applications.”
BMW i continues to upgrade and develop its components. For example, the current i3 battery pack is a 94 Ah/33 kWh unit with 50 percent more capacity than the original i3's 60 Ah/22 kWh unit. A residual bonus for the environment is that when the i3's battery pack completes it's useful lifespan as an automotive or marine power source, it can be recycled as part of a system for energy storage purposes ranging from single-family solar arrays to a municipal or regional electrical grid backup or high-use reserve.
BMW power in boats is almost as old as the company. In 1919, when BMW was forbidden from building aircraft engines, the company turned to using its engines in other applications including tractors and yes, boats, before starting on motorcycles.
We like the idea of electric-powered watercraft, especially if they're quick. However, it may be odd seeing a boat zip across the lake without the usual accompanying motor noise, or water skiing behind a noiseless ski boat. We think we could get used to it.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
