The first Bavaria models were originally scheduled for delivery in summer 2020, but no buyer has yet been found. Head of Technology Udo Erbe: "In terms of acceptance, e-mobility for yachts is currently at the level of e-cars ten to 15 years ago."
Bavaria has now tested the prototype of the Bavaria 38e at the shipyard's own test centre in Marktbreit am Main. The aim was to test the systems and carry out the test runs required for certification. The test of the Saildrive, the batteries, the control unit (Multibox) from EPTechnologies from Denmark and the coordination with the B&G displays as well as the technical interaction with the on-board service network were the main focus. As much performance data as possible was collected on the Main.
In terms of acceptance, e-mobility for yachts is currently at the level of e-cars ten to 15 years ago.
Six hours at five knots
The shipyard and the motor and battery supplier were more than satisfied. The top speed reached the planned 7.5 knots. The cruising speed was 5 knots with a range of around three hours per battery pack, i.e. six hours in total. The purely electric version was tested with two battery packs of 18.2 kilowatt hours each, totalling 36.4 kilowatt hours. A range extender for a hybrid drive is also available.
The new system will be supplied for the 38e, 42e and 46e models. The new e-versions are designed to give owners an even more environmentally friendly sailing experience and more independence on the water. According to the shipyard, the new e-models from Bavaria retain the proven sailing characteristics, interior and layout of their conventional sisters. The key difference lies in the drive system. A saildrive with an electric motor provides silent propulsion. The Bavaria C38e and C42e have an output of 25 kW, while the larger C46e is equipped with 37 kW. At the heart of the system is the so-called Multibox, which controls the battery charging and the entire system.
Bavaria offers flexible energy storage
Energy is stored in battery packs. The C38e and C42e are fitted with an 18.2 kWh battery pack as standard, which can be extended by two additional packs on request. This enables a range of over 50 nautical miles in purely electric mode. The larger C46e already has two battery packs ex works for even more endurance. For owners who want even more independence, the shipyard offers an optional generator. This hybrid drive can be used to further increase the range. A C38e can cover a distance of 576 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 5.5 knots.
Partnership for innovative drive technology
Bavaria Yachts worked together with EPTechnologies from Denmark to develop the electric drive system. The company is recognised as an innovation leader in the field of alternative propulsion systems for yachts. The integration of the EPT system into the shipyard's DNA was realised by the shipyard's experienced development team. Norbert Leifeld, Managing Director of Bavaria Yachts, emphasises the importance of this step: "We have been looking for a solution for alternative propulsion systems for our C-Line that fits in with our DNA for a long time. Sustainable, of high quality, modularly expandable and easy to use in practice. With EPTechnologies, we have now found a partner to take this step into the future."
Technical data Bavaria C 38e
- Drive power: 25 kW
- Expandable to: 3 x 18.2 kWh
- Electrical range: over 50 nautical miles -
- Hybrid range: 576 nautical miles at 5.5 knots
Where electric drives can impress
- Manoeuvring in the harbour: quiet, finely adjustable, immediate torque.
- Short trips & area sailing: Engine use often only for exit/entry and lulls.
- Comfort: less vibration, less odour, less "motorboat feeling".
- Maintenance: less classic engine maintenance (oil, filters, impeller) - instead focus on software, cooling, battery care.
Where diesel still has an advantage
- Long motor passages on the contrary: energy requirements increase massively, recharging en route is limited.
- Infrastructure: Shore power is not fast-charging capable everywhere.
- Weight/price: Battery packs cost and weigh - and have to be installed properly.
This might also interest you
- Bavaria C 38 in the test
- Bavaria C 42 in the test
- Bavaria 38 in comparison test with Hanse 388 and Dufour 390, part 1
- Bavaria 38 in comparison test with Hanse 388 and Dufour 390, part 2
- Bavaria 37 used boat test
- Which shipyards offer electric motors?
- Around the world with the E-Cat, a review
- Beneteau and Fountaine Pajot with joint e-drive offensive
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
