Frauscher and Porsche Unveil the 850 Fantom Air Electric Day Cruiser
Electric boats are gaining momentum in the recreational boating market, and the latest entry is the 850 Fantom Air, a collaboration between Austrian boat builder Frauscher and German automaker Porsche. Built from the 28-foot Frauscher 858 Fantom Air day cruiser, the 850 Fantom Air adapts proven luxury cruiser design to an all-electric propulsion concept informed by modern automotive electric drive technology.
Automotive Electric Drive Technology in a Marine Package
The 850 Fantom Air will draw drive components from Porsche’s upcoming Macan electric SUV, scheduled for launch in 2024, and plans also include leveraging the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture. While detailed power figures have not been disclosed by the partners, Frauscher and Porsche have confirmed that the boat will use a PPE permanent magnet synchronous motor (PSM) together with an 800-volt lithium-ion battery pack. The high-voltage battery design allows the Fantom 850 to accept both DC fast charging and AC charging, enabling flexible recharging options at compatible shore-side stations.
Design, Comfort and Onboard Features
The 850 Fantom Air retains the sun-oriented, open layout typical of a day cruiser while integrating the practical conveniences that modern boaters expect. Layout highlights include a bathing platform at the stern for easy water access, two Bimini tops for shade and weather protection, an onboard audio system for entertainment, and a refrigerator for provisioning. The layout is designed to comfortably carry up to nine passengers, making the vessel suitable for family outings, social cruises, or short coastal excursions.
Benefits of Electromobility on Water
The partnership emphasizes the advantages of electric propulsion in a marine environment: quieter operation, the absence of exhaust odors, and the smooth power delivery characteristic of electric motors. These attributes support relaxing day cruising and reduce the disturbance to both onboard guests and surrounding wildlife. Electric drivetrains also simplify mechanical systems by reducing the number of moving parts compared with internal combustion engines, which can lower maintenance needs over time.
Stefan Frauscher, Managing Director of Marketing & Sales at Frauscher, commented on the collaboration: “This cooperation with Porsche gives us the opportunity to expand our leadership role within the electric boat industry. There is growing social acceptance and active approval for electric boats, and our customers are also enjoying the advantages of electromobility: quiet, odorless and superior.”
Charging and Practical Considerations
The confirmed compatibility with DC and AC charging offers owners flexibility when planning trips and recharging schedules. Onboard 800-volt architecture—commonly used in high-performance electric vehicles—suggests the system is designed for efficient energy transfer and potentially faster charging when suitable DC infrastructure is available. While precise range and charge times remain undisclosed by Frauscher and Porsche, the combination of automotive-grade electric components and marine engineering aims to provide a dependable, user-friendly experience.
Market Context and What to Expect
As more manufacturers integrate automotive electric platforms into marine vessels, collaborations such as the one between Frauscher and Porsche signal a maturing market for premium electric boats. The 850 Fantom Air represents a crossover of expertise: Frauscher’s experience in elegant, performance-oriented day cruisers paired with Porsche’s electric powertrain development. The result is a lifestyle-focused electric boat that appeals to buyers who value design, comfort and the environmental and experiential benefits of electromobility.
Further technical specifications, pricing and availability details have not yet been released by the partners. Prospective buyers and boating enthusiasts should expect additional announcements as the project progresses and as Porsche’s Macan electric and PPE-based components reach broader production.