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It was about two years ago when the Canadian electric boat manufacturer Voltari announced it had piloted one its Voltari 260 performance boats 91 miles on a single charge. The starting point was Florida and they ended in the Bahamas. The main point of the journey seemed to be demonstrating their all-electric boat has plenty of range. Of course, given the area of the world they were in when they undertook and completed the journey, it also sounded like a fun adventure. Plus, the Voltari 260 is well-designed and just looks cool. It’s an electric boat that I would like to ride in and even drive myself if possible. (It’s also quite speedy.)
Recently, Voltari announced it has built another kind of electric boat — this one is a patrol vessel. Cam Heaps, Voltari’s CEO, answered some questions about it for CleanTechnica.
What are the main advantages of your all-electric patrol boat compared to one that runs on gas or diesel fuel?
Operating cost for fleets is reduced dramatically. Continuous duty commercial boats can save over 1 M in Fuel and maintenance over their ICE competitors.
Less downtime for fleet use, with very little to no scheduled maintenance for most powertrain components.
The VOLTARI Patrol 26 RIB is built to stand out in speed, performance, and environmental impact. Unlike traditional gas or diesel boats, this all-electric vessel operates without any noise or emissions, making it not only more eco-friendly but also stealthier in harsh water conditions or intense security operations. With its trimmable outdrive, contra-rotating propellers, and dual-prop military-grade drive, it’s designed to outmatch any ICE boat of similar size or power. Plus, with 740 horsepower and a carbon fiber hull, it’s light yet durable. The deep-V design gives it an edge in maneuverability, so it’s incredibly responsive in forward and reverse—no need for hydrofoils.
Why are you expanding into the patrol vessel market?
Following the success of our flagship model the, VOLTARI 260, we’ve been approached by several government agencies interested in its performance and path toward sustainability. We quickly realized there was a real opportunity to expand into the space. The small craft patrol market needed an electric alternative to support fleet savings as well as environmental agendas such as emissions reductions and greening of fleets. The issue is that there has not been a viable solution available to the industry until now.
The cost savings of EV marine is much more impactful to a fleet then even EV automotive due to the high costs of fuel and maintenance in boats.
How can Voltari’s electric vessels cut operational and maintenance costs by an estimated $1 million per unit over 10 years?
Cost estimates are based on twin 300HP craft of similar size, weight and usage over 10 years and the savings are for Fuel and Maintenance alone. See link to graph on voltari website [or above] for details.
What is the Patrol 26 RIB battery chemistry?
The Patrol 26 RIB features a 142 kWh lithium-ion battery pack system. Voltari has been manufacturing marine specific batteries since 2008, designed to be salt water capable, submersible, and operate under high kW continuous output conditions (IE high RPM continuously, needed in marine due to hydrodynamic resistance required to push a boat through water).
Does it come with its own battery charger?
You can add on a VOLTARI 80 amp charger for $3,990 to avoid waiting in gas dock lines. Commercial customers can purchase a 200kW DC fast charger from voltari that will charge the boat from 10%–90% in less than 30 minutes.
How long to get to a full charge?
Overnight on AC charge so the boat is ready for next day patrol or in 30 minutes or less using a Voltari DCFC (from10%-90%).
What is the vessel’s range?
Approx. 30 miles at a cruising speed of 25 mph.
Does the vessel’s roof have solar panels or can it have solar panels?
Solar panels can be added to the top but are not a significant source of energy for 550kW of power.
How much does the vessel weigh?
8000 lb.
Does it come with a trailer?
Yes, we offer an option of a customer fitted trailer MSRP 18,000.
How long is the warranty and what does it cover?
The Voltari Patrol 26 warranty for commercial use is: 3-YEAR/6,500-HOUR LIMITED WARRANTY. Extended warranty and service plans are available from Voltari.
What is the cost of your electric patrol boat?
MSRP on the Patrol 26cc Rib is $557,000, including, all carbon fiber construction, suspension seating, night vision, radar, and twin 19” screens.
MSRP on the Patrol 26 Pilot Rib is $577,000, including, all carbon fiber construction, suspension seating, fully enclosed Pilot house with climate control, night vision, radar, and twin 19” screens.
How long do you expect the battery pack to last and the motor or motors?
Gen1 of our powertrains are still in operation since 2008. We expect 300+ charge cycles. In marine use that can be up to 20+ years.
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