Yachts de Luxe (YdL) of Singapore has signed a ten-year contract with Oxis Energy valued at $5 million to build the world’s first luxury boat to be powered by Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries. The objective is to achieve a range of 70 to 100 nautical miles at cruising speed. 

Oxis will work with YdL to design the 40-foot luxury day boat, which will carry a 400 kWh battery system. The design, manufacture and installation of the battery and BMS will be carried out by subcontractor Williams Advanced Engineering. Oxis says its Li-S technology does not use any toxic or rare earth material. At the end of life, the materials used in the Li-S cells can be disposed of without environmental damage. 

Oxis CEO Huw Hampson-Jones said, “In August 2020, Oxis successfully powered the first US-built electric aircraft with a flight time of just under 2 hours. The flight was approved by both NASA and the FAA. Our intention is to achieve the same level of success in maritime applications. The collaboration allows us to achieve this, and provides a level of safety to our seafaring clients, far beyond existing lithium-ion battery systems.”

Jean Jacques, Director of YdL, said, “With the highly promising Li-S technology developed by Oxis Energy, we have the perfect match between high power, safety and eco-friendliness. This is the starting point of numerous projects, including service boats and our Mega Yachts. 

The electrified Luxury Day Boat will be on display at the Monaco Boat Show in September 2021. 

Source: OXIS Energy