Hybrid cars are not a new thing anymore and the technology is currently spreading to aircraft. But how about boats? Worry not as someone already made one. It’s called the Savannah, has a minimalistic design, unique features and a hybrid diesel-electric powertrain.
The Dutch company that made it, Feadship, says it’s the first fully functional hybrid luxury boat in the world. Around 1,000 people worked for 4 years to create and build the Savannah and we have to say they have done an awesome job.
It might look simple from the outside, but the multi-million dollar barge comes with exquisite features like an underwater viewing lounge so you can gaze upon the sea life, an open-aft design that allows multiple activities out in the sun, a 29-foot (8.8 meters) deck-level pool, garage, 4 guest rooms, a VIP suite with balcony and even a cinema.
The diesel engine is a Wartsila 9L20 four-stroke diesel that cranks no less than 1,800 kW (2,413 hp). This is attached to a Caterpillar C32 and two Caterpillar C18 generators.
This allows for three drive modes - electric, diesel and hybrid. Compared to another vessel in its class, the Savannah scores a 30 percent better fuel economy, thanks to the hybrid powertrain, a special designed aft, bigger propeller and a very slim hull.
Why would you care about fuel consumption if you afford a boat as opulent as this one? Guess it’s not about that, but more about making a statement and encouraging the adoption of hybrid systems to cut down emissions. Or it’s just a very new and uber-expensive toy for the 1% that can buy it.
It might look simple from the outside, but the multi-million dollar barge comes with exquisite features like an underwater viewing lounge so you can gaze upon the sea life, an open-aft design that allows multiple activities out in the sun, a 29-foot (8.8 meters) deck-level pool, garage, 4 guest rooms, a VIP suite with balcony and even a cinema.
When satan’s fuel meets the heavenly electricity
The Savannah can basically work like your Toyota Prius, the only difference being the huge diesel engine and the oversized components. The hull packs a huge Lithium-ion battery pack fed by three generators that are coupled to the combustion engine.The diesel engine is a Wartsila 9L20 four-stroke diesel that cranks no less than 1,800 kW (2,413 hp). This is attached to a Caterpillar C32 and two Caterpillar C18 generators.
This allows for three drive modes - electric, diesel and hybrid. Compared to another vessel in its class, the Savannah scores a 30 percent better fuel economy, thanks to the hybrid powertrain, a special designed aft, bigger propeller and a very slim hull.
Why would you care about fuel consumption if you afford a boat as opulent as this one? Guess it’s not about that, but more about making a statement and encouraging the adoption of hybrid systems to cut down emissions. Or it’s just a very new and uber-expensive toy for the 1% that can buy it.