In line with its strategy of developing technologies that contribute to the planet’s sustainable growth, WEG has just come up with an innovative electric propulsion solution for commercial boats.

Together with the national startup of technology and solutions for boats Espadarte Group, WEG equipped the first commercial nautical boat with its Powertrain solution in Brazil.

Named Hybdor, the propulsion model features a plug-in hybrid system, applicable for any boat from 25 to 40 feet, which is designed to deliver the same performance of a combustion propulsion and the autonomy of electric motorized system. “The hybrid system allows independent operation. The reliability of an electrical system (motor, battery and drive) is far superior to a combustion engine. Having separate electric and combustion systems allows us to have the best from both engines with a much safer, more efficient, comfortable and sustainable boat,” said Tiago Mance, CEO of Espadarte Group.

The autonomy of the vessel with only the electric motorization is one hour at a speed of 10 knots. Charging time with standard power supply can be done in just 4 hours. “With this project we prove that our Powertrain technology, already tested and approved in cities transport vehicles, is also efficient for nautical applications. Together with Espadarte Group, we are providing a more efficient, cost-saving, sustainable and intelligent commercial boat,” says Manfred Peter Johann, Managing Director of WEG Automation Business Unit.

In addition to providing superior performance, the new propulsion system ensures extended lifetime and lower maintenance intervals. “On top of that, the hybrid propulsion system is lighter and more efficient with lower consumption on yachts ranging from 25 and 40 feet. We have the expertise to develop a superior electrical architecture that delivers efficiency, reduces the amount of CO2 and waste into the water and the noise for comfortable navigation,” explains Thiago Marquardt, Hybdor´s CTO.

Regular production of Hybdor is expected to begin in January 2023 at Espadarte's manufacturing site in São José dos Pinhais, state of Paraná.

About Espadarte The ESPADARTE

Group was born in 2019, in São José dos Pinhais, state of Paraná - Brazil, combining the experience of the founders globally in shipyards and technology to develop innovative nautical solutions. With investment in multiple areas that meet the demands of boat users in terms of performance, comfort, safety, technology and maintenance, the Group innovates in the nautical market in 2022 with the Hybdor. This is a hybrid propulsion system for yachts ranging from 25 to 40 feet, which combines the best of combustion engines with the safety and autonomy of electric motors. Hybdor will be available for sale from January 2023.