Optima-Projects, a fairly new company near the Solent in the UK, just launched their revolutionary 36-foot Optima E10 all-electric boat with a staggering 200-nm range.
The Optima E10 prototype is marked by a unusual hull shape where the slender central hull is flanked by even thinner external ones, creating tunnels underneath. The design is something of a merger of a monohull and a trimaran, and it enhances efficiency while reducing drag. The two external hulls contribute to the boat’s stability, providing a comfortable and smooth ride.
Even with the outer hulls, the Optima’s beam is just 11’ 6”, so it will be able to fit into most marina berths. The LOA is 36’ 1”.
Power comes from two 60kWh Kriesel batteries and a 40kW electric motor from Rad propulsion. The boat is said to cruise comfortably from 10 to 15 knots with no noise, no fumes, and no fossil fuel emissions.
At slower speeds, about 6 knots, the Optima has a range of 200 nm. At 8 or 9 knots, the range is about 100 nm; at its top speed of 15 knots, the Optima still has a range of 50 to 60 nm. These speed and range capabilities are far greater than many electric boats today.
Optima-Projects started three years ago, working with a blank piece of paper to create an all-electric cruising boat. As opposed to many electric boats today, the Optima E10 is truly all-electric; it’s not a hybrid, and it basically fills the gap between smaller electric boats with shorter range and larger multi-hull catamarans. The company emphasizes that the Optima E10 has enough range for offshore passages.
The prototype also is comfortable day or overnight cruiser, with a cabin below with a head. A small galley and wet bar are on the bridge deck with U-shaped seating and large sun pads aft. Optima-Projects says it will refine the production boat a bit more, and perhaps offer it with just one battery instead of two.
Read more: http://optima-projects.com
