Press release
ecovolta provides battery system for the “Boat of the Year”
Solid-wood motorboat powered by standardised lithium-ion traction batteries
Brunnen/Schwyz, Switzerland, 14 November 2019 – At the Genoa International Boat Show, the largest boat exhibition in the Mediterranean region, the first fully electric motorboat “Ernesto”, originating from the Ernesto Riva boatyard, was named “Boat of the Year” in the Motorboat category. The eight-metre long boat made of solid wood brings together an elegant, minimalistic design with sustainable materials and a modern, emission-free drive. The standardised and certification-compliant lithium-ion traction batteries used are produced by ecovolta, a Swiss firm which produces customised high-capacity battery systems and e-mobility solutions.
The Genoa International Boat Show is one of the worldwide leading maritime exhibitions. The Ernesto Riva boatyard entered its latest innovation in the competition, where boats are awarded prizes in the Motorboat, Sailboat, Ship, Multihull and Inflatable Boat categories. A company rich in tradition, the boatyard was founded in 1771 on the shore of Lake Como and is known for its continuous developments in wooden boat building. Its prize-winning motorboat is nothing short of revolutionary, representing sustainable and environmentally friendly advancements in boat building.
With its reduced noise and emission levels on the water, the boat’s electric drive contributes greatly to maritime climate conservation — and that even at a top cruising speed of 25 knots. The brushless motor (electric motor without a carbon brush) is driven by lithium-ion batteries (Li-NMC) with a total storage capacity of 60 kWh (4×15 kWh). ecovolta is the manufacturer of these traction batteries with an integrated battery management system. The company’s “evoTractionBattery” overall solution complies with certifications and can be installed and configured within just a few hours.
“Thanks to our standardised battery system, the Ernesto Riva boatyard was able to introduce to the market an initial limited edition of their new electric boat with high-grade certified high-performance batteries,” reports Paul Hauser, CTO of ecovolta.
Even the selection of materials was made with the environment in mind. The high-quality woods used — including cedar, Douglas fir and mahogany — all came from sustainable sources, guaranteeing a long service life. Natural paints are also used for the coating.
The Genoa International Boat Show’s “Boat of the Year” distinction is conferred by the magazine “Vela e Motore” together with the Italian marine industry association UCINA – Confindustria Nautica.
About ecovolta
The Swiss ecovolta produces customised high-capacity battery systems and e-mobility solutions. The company’s proprietary design enables the fully automated series production of high-current capable batteries which do not need active cooling. Battery and drive solutions are developed and tested in the in-house research and development area. ecovolta is a division of the technology company ecocoach AG and has its headquarters and Swissfactory production plant in Brunnen/Schwyz, Switzerland.
www.eco-volta.com
www.ecocoach.com
About Ernesto Riva Shipyard
The Ernesto Riva shipyard has distant roots, in 1771, in Laglio on Lake Como. Since its origins, the shipyard has been dedicated to the construction of boats, lances, English boats and Manzoni’s “lucie”, used by fishermen or traders. Today, Ernesto Riva Shipyard has skillfully combined the secrets of tradition with the most innovative working methods, aiming for excellence in design and quality of materials, with an eye to the environment.
ecovolta press contact
Mattias Gienal
Tel. +41 41 811 41 41
mattias.gienal@ecocoach.com