Volvo Penta today announced a fully electric propulsion range for its IPS pod-drive platform. Initially developed for the commercial sector, the new IPS range for recreational boats includes twin, triple and quadruple configurations.
“We have built up strong expertise based on 20 years of efficient operation with more than 40,000 Volvo Penta IPS drivelines in operation, as well as recent successful market pilots in marine electrification,” company president Anna Müller said in a statement. “Our aim with this new range is to deliver a plug-and-play electric propulsion solution, keeping the uniqueness of our core competence but also designed to scale together with third-party integrators.”
Starting in the fourth quarter, Volvo Penta will roll out the IPS900E (up to 515 kW), followed by models like the IPS650E (up to 374 kW). The aim is to electrify all five drivelines in the IPS range, targeting power outputs from 220 kW to 1.1 MW per driveline and scaling up to 4.5 MW for quad installations.
The Volvo Penta IPS Electric (E) range complements the hybrid electric (H) solutions introduced earlier in 2024. Together, they offer a variety of power solutions tailored to diverse needs and duty cycles.
The electric range will include “helm-to-propeller” functionality, according to Volvo Penta, to maintain the maneuverability and control that are signature features of IPS. The E range will be available with the company’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), Joystick Driving, Dynamic Positioning System, Autopilot and Assisted Docking. Another feature is the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that enables seamless drive mode selection and system monitoring via the Energy Management System (EMS). Available modes include Pure Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Hybrid Fuel.
Among the most notable benefits of Volvo Penta IPS is the efficiency of its forward-facing props that pull the vessel through water, rather than push it. When paired with electric motors, the design delivers propulsion with efficient performance and zero emissions.
