Silent-Yachts’ New Project

Last month, the Austrian solar yacht company announced it had 10 yachts under construction from 55 to 80 feet at its production facilities in Southeast Asia and Italy.

Earlier in the year, they teased a move into the tourism industry called Silent-Resorts.

Their latest effort is a collaboration with Volkswagen and Cupra on a solar electric catamaran that will be powered by VW’s Modular Electric Drive matrix, the system in which the German automaker is developing its e-mobility architecture.

VW recently opened its MED to third parties. It will work in concert with Silent’s solar electric system to offer power for all onboard systems as well as a potentially unlimited cruising range.

The vessel will be drawn by designers from the Barcelona, Spain-based car company Cupra.

The size of the boat, accommodations and other details on the boat have not yet been released.

“I’m happy to cooperate with our partners on this exciting new project,” said Silent-Yachts CEO and founder Michael Köhler in a statement. “Volkswagen Group is one of the most advanced players on the electric cars market and I am sure together we can make something really special on the water.”

Silent-Yachts has sold over 30 solar electric catamarans between 55 and 80 feet to date and ordered 500 lithium battery packs equal to 2.5 megawatts so it can keep up with production.

The company plans to deliver more than 15 yachts in 2021.