The new Zodiac all-electric rib will be in Ireland for the start of next year and in time for the 2022 Irish boating season. That's the news from the Cannes Boat Show where Irish Zodiac agents MGM Boats of Dun Laoghaire Harbour announced they would unveil the Zodiac eOPEN powered by Torqeedo outboard engines.
The eOpen is the first complete range of 100% electric boats after Zodiac's foray into the electric market with the eJET in 2017.
The new models are being heralded as a real technological achievement and mark a new era for both Torqeedo and Zodiac.
The boats have 50 minutes of autonomy at a speed of about 12 knots for the 3.1 and 3.4 models. The ride, says MGM's Gerry Salmon, is lively and very pleasant at an average speed.
"This is an exciting day for us in MGM Boats, and a new age of boating experiences in Ireland lies ahead", Salmon told Afloat.
All-electric- The new needs of customers: No maintenance, no noise, no servicing, less pollution, simple and responsive driving, and an affordable price.
Electric mobility is gaining ground all around us, and as the market leader in RIBs, we couldn't afford to miss out! Torqeedo was the ideal partner to develop these new products," explained Fanny Revert-Ciavattini, product marketing manager of Zodiac.
eOpen - Zodiac and MGM boats have taken up the challenge of offering 100% electric boats at an affordable price for the Irish market. Agile and compact, these boats are easy to drive, easy to store, easy to tow. They have four to six seats, depending on the size.
The eOPEN range in a nutshell:
- Ideal for exploring sensitive or difficult-to-access areas
- Easy to use and highly manoeuvrable
- Autonomy of about one hour at maximum power
- No noise or fumes to disturb the peaceful enjoyment
- Very little maintenance or upkeep
- Long-term savings
- Unique, ecologically responsible experience
- 2 sizes available: 3.1 / 3.4 with appropriately sized, complete Torqeedo drive systems including motor, batteries and charger.
Several options are available on these models (depending on the size): EVA floor, bimini, rear ladder, storage net, lift kit, Fusion audio system.