X-Yachts: X-series Hybrid yachts

2022: X4.9E

On August 18, 2022, it became known that X-Yachts had released its first hybrid yacht. In addition to the electric power plant, the X4.9E model combines three power sources: battery, diesel fuel and sail. The last two can replenish the battery supply.

X4.9E. Photo: Youtube channel X-Yachts.

As reported, the company's strategy is not to be at the forefront of the transport revolution. X-Yachts takes a more cautious approach, preferring to wait for the technology to mature. And when customers began to appeal to the desire to acquire something more environmentally friendly, management decided that it was time for a hybrid yacht, and designed a X4.9E ship in collaboration with the Finnish Oceanvolt.

Oceanvolt supplied him with two 10 kW Servo Prop SD10 electric motors, which are powered by a 28.8 kW * h lithium iron phosphate battery. Together, they can accelerate a 12-ton and almost 15-meter yacht to four knots (7.4 km/h) for 91 km, after which the battery charge will decrease to 10% and charging will be required.

But Captain X4.9E will not have to turn halfway, because there is an 11 kW Fischer Panda DC diesel generator on board. The generator can directly power the motors, replenish the battery, or perform both functions at the same time. It is able to replenish battery energy from 20% to 80% in about an hour and a half.

It can be used to replenish the battery and wind power - the yacht is equipped with a regenerative charging system. When the vessel sails, the propellers in the water rotate to become hydroelectric generators. According to designers, in this way the yacht can generate up to 3.5 kW, charging the battery in 8-10 hours.

Since June 2022, the X4.9E has been undergoing sea tests. The company did not disclose its cost, but the previous diesel model was X4.9 sold for about €639,000. It is assumed that the cost of the hybrid model will be higher.

Earlier, the Plymouth Marine Laboratory announced the development of an autonomous long-range research vessel in collaboration with the British company M Subs Ltd. According to the company, the 24-meter yacht Oceanus will run on solar panels and a hybrid engine, it will be controlled by AI^[1].

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