Torqeedo and BMW Cooperate on New Drive System
German sailor Boris Herrmann is planning to compete for the Yacht Club de Monaco in the Vendée Globe solo around-the-world race in the yacht Malizia, and BMW and Torqeedo will be supporting Team Malizia with lightweight construction and zero-emission drive technology.
 
BMW have a long history of involvement in the America’s Cup, and materials originally developed for racing, such as ultra-lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced polymer, are now used to construct BMW’s i3 and i8 vehicles. Since 2017, the lithium batteries that power these BMW vehicles have been adapted to power Torqeedo’s electric drive systems for boats.
 
The next generation of BMW i lithium batteries have already been made boat-ready by Torqeedo, and together with BMW, attempts are now underway to develop a reliable and emission-free drive system solution for Malizia, with the objective being to develop an alternative to the diesel power unit, which weighs in at around 380kg (including fuel) and is on board primarily for safety reasons.

To find out more visit www.torqeedo.com and/or www.bmwgroup.com.