Perfect as a day cruiser or a tender for a super yacht to make an excursion to a coastal town, the eFantom can accommodate up to nine passengers (All photos: Porsche)
From Paloma to Pampelonne, the French Riviera remains the cradle of some of the world’s most gilded seaside destinations and most likely where one would find a Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, right at home, slicing through its crystalline waters.
Buoyed on the gentle gleaming waves of the Mediterranean Sea, the eFantom glides silently out of the Port Gallice harbour in Nice. The susurration is a refreshing change from the rumble and gurgle of an outboard motor and the silence a pleasure for the senses as one drinks in the panoramic view of the Côte d’Azur from the ocean.
The exiguous few who, for some reason, had a Porsche electric boat on their bingo card last year were probably elated when the German marque revealed the eFantom in October. Actually, the idea of introducing Porsche’s E-Performance technology into the maritime world first came up in 2021, but it was not until the following year that the decision was made to use the drive technology of Porsche’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture — jointly developed with Audi and the basis of the new electric Macan — for its first e-boating project.
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Austria’s renowned Frauscher Shipyard was brought onboard as a partner and responsible for modifying the hull of its 8.67m Frauscher 858 Fantom Air to accommodate the eclectic motor, which went through necessary adjustments for on-water use. Studio F A Porsche brought its own flair to the helmstand flanked by winglets — a stylistical nod to the 911 — that also double as practical grab handles. A Porsche steering wheel (resistant to salt water and sun cream) sets the course to starboard or port while the adjacent driving mode switch enables the boat to enter Docking, Range, Sport and Sport Plus modes.
Perfect as a day cruiser or a tender for a super yacht to make an excursion to a coastal town, the eFantom can accommodate up to nine passengers. The swimming platform at the rear leads to a generous lounge area with two sunbathing pads. A central aisle connects to the cockpit — anchored by two sport seats with the brand’s crest embroidered on the headrests — and more upholstered benches in the front. For ultra sunny days, two folding bimini tops can be deployed for shade.
The boat uses the battery of the Macan Turbo, the most powerful variant of the PPE. The optimal cruising speed is 41kph or 22 knots while top speed is an impressive 85kph or 46 knots in Sport Plus mode. A mix of both will allow an average of two to three hours of driving time, sufficient for a relaxing swimming trip or an afternoon of water skiing or wakeboarding, sans the smell of exhaust billowing into your face. Thanks to the 800V technology, the electric boat can be charged with over 250kW of current at DC fast-charging stations and regain its life from 10% to 80% in well under 30 minutes.
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The handling is extremely easy, which makes being at the helm even more thrilling. The torque was turned down a notch, though, to enable comfortable control of the boat. This allows the cruiser to carve out arcs on the ocean steadily without falter.
A high-end audio system and LED ambient lighting makes the eFantom the ultimate party boat for you and your closest friends. And just as no two Porsche models are the same, the eFantom can be customised, from the upholstery to the colour of the deck. Among other options, the entire colour palette that Porsche offers for its road vehicles is also available for personalised orders. But that is on top of the cool €561,700 (RM2.8 million) you would have to fork out first, of course.
This article first appeared on May 13, 2024 in The Edge Malaysia.
