River cruisers are not only a perfect application for electric drive but possibly also second-life batteries.
Meet the Black Swan, an all-electric passenger boat for 2-8 passengers, powered by “second life” lithium-ion batteries from Renault’s electric cars.
It was created by French specialist maritime company Seine Alliance (in partnership with Renault and electric propulsion experts Green-Vision), which intends to switch to a 100% electric river cruise fleet by 2024.
The first production crafts are scheduled to enter service in early 2020.
Black Swan can cruise for about two hours using four battery packs, housed in water-tight stainless steel containers located beneath the boat’s bench seats. Charging takes some 2-3 hours. Two independent electric motors are rated at 20 kW each.
As the requirements for high energy density batteries are lower in the case of boats than cars, we might see more of these second-life projects, especially since refurbished batteries should be more affordable.
“Due to go into service in 2020, Black Swan can carry up to eight passengers and pioneers the use of lithium-ion batteries that have already had their ‘first car life’ in Renault Z.E. vehicles. After being reconditioned these cells are used to power a pair of 20 kW electric motors that allow two hours cruising on the River Seine in Paris, while full charge will take just two to three hours.
The Black Swan is based on an existing craft built by Italian firm Tullio Abbate. Originally powered by a traditional internal combustion engine, it now features four ‘second life’ batteries housed in specially designed, water-tight stainless steel containers located beneath the boat’s bench seats. The batteries and motors together weigh 278kg, which is less than the combined total of the original fuel tank and engines.”
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