Volvo Penta electric engines in 2021
Volvo Penta, a major player in marine and industrial engines, has announced in a release its commitment to provide hybrid and 100% electric solutions for its two business segments by 2021. Without revealing the power and applications of the new engines, Volvo Penta says that field tests are already underway
A long-term process
The company is continuing the process begun by the Volvo Group in automotive applications. Volvo Penta has been thinking about the advent of electric motors for many years, says technology manager Johan Inden. "Volvo Penta has already been on the road to electrification for several years. We have spent time building competence, experience and identifying the necessary technologies on the path to sustainable energy solutions."
The company has reorganized itself to meet this new challenge. Among other things, it has opened an electromobility test and development laboratory at its Swedish headquarters.
Ensuring a smooth transition from fossil fuel to electric
For Björn Ingemanson, president of Volvo Penta, 2021 is the beginning of a long-term transition. "Primary propulsion by gasoline or diesel engines will remain the most appropriate power source for many applications in the years to come. We will have a full-supplier approach to help our customers transition to this new technology. This will happen on an application-by-application basis, assuming that the economic opportunity to go electric will be different in our many customer segments."
A challenge for the survival of engine manufacturers
Volvo Penta's announcement comes at a time when the marine propulsion market is changing rapidly. We recently saw the merger of combustion engine manufacturer Deutz and the pioneer of marine electric motors, Torqeedo, itself a partner with BMW for batteries. Other electric engine manufacturers told BoatIndustry at METS that they are attracting interest from major companies in the sector. No doubt the Volvo announcements are just the first of many to come.
