Launch of the electric Zodiac eOpen, in partnership with Torqeedo
Zodiac has announced the launch of a range of electrically powered RIB boats called eOpen. Designed in partnership with the German leader in electric marine motors for pleasure craft, Torqeedo, it consists of two models, the eOpen 3.1 and eOpen 3.4 This year, we launched the new Open from 3.10 meters to 4.80 meters, in thermal version. So we looked for a partner for an electric version, looking at all the brands on the market. We concluded that Torqeedo, with whom we had worked on the Zodiac eJet, was the best choice "explains Fanny Revert-Ciavattini, product marketing manager for the French shipyard.
Open the electric to a wider range of boaters
Through its new boats, Zodiac intends to expand the potential customer base for its electric boats. The Zodiac eJet, launched in 2017, was reserved for wealthy owners, with a price of 169,000 euros for a 4.50-meter unit. The price of an eOpen will nevertheless remain very significantly higher than its thermal equivalent concedes the manufacturer. The boats, based on the same hull as the thermal RIBs, will have a range of 50 minutes at about 12 knots. " The use is aimed at the general public, for a quiet ride or the annex market, with a more accessible price than the eJet "confirms Fanny Revert-Ciavattini.
Facilitate the distribution of the electric boat to dealers
With its turnkey offer, Zodiac also intends to overcome the obstacles faced by professionals in the boating industry when it comes to the arrival of electric motors. " Today, the electric boat is having a little trouble getting off the ground, especially in Europe. Some dealers, who are used to thermal boats, find it difficult to make this transition. That's why we wanted to offer a turnkey boat to our dealers. Everything is assembled in the factory. All they have to do is bolt on the engine "explains the Zodiac marketing manager.
Training of the network is expected to begin in mid-September 2021. Delivery of the first customer boats is scheduled for spring 2022.
