Torqeedo GmbH announced a new battery option for its Deep Blue series of marine electric drives: Deep Blue Battery 80. The new battery leverages lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and delivers 80 kWh of energy storage, twice the capacity of the previous generation of Deep Blue batteries. The new battery was unveiled at the Electric & Hybrid Marine World Expo in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The new battery’s cell-to-pack architecture is an advanced approach to battery assembly in which individual battery cells are directly integrated into a pack without the need for intermediate modules or components. This advanced construction offsets the lower energy density of LFP batteries and enables a more compact footprint that is easier to install in many boats.

The high volumetric energy density (272 Wh/L) is particularly important for larger, heavier displacement vessels such as cruising yachts and commercial vessels. On average, a passenger ferry emits the same pollution as approximately 40 diesel buses, so electrification of these vessels is a high priority for many cities. The new Deep Blue Battery 80 is backed by an up to ten-year capacity warranty for both recreational and commercial use.

In the past, lithium iron phosphate batteries just took up too much room but they have come a long way over the past couple of years. LiNMC batteries, which we also use throughout our product portfolio, are still the best choice for many on-water applications due to their extremely high energy density. But, LFP batteries have excellent longevity and safety and are made with abundant raw materials which avoids the high cost, ethical and environmental concerns, and sourcing instability of critical metals in today’s fast-moving markets.

LFP is now even being used in electric cars, including standard-range Teslas. It was time to offer our Deep Blue customers a choice.

—Fabian Bez, Torqeedo’s CEO

Founded in 2005, Torqeedo develops and manufactures electric and hybrid drives from 0.5 to 100 kW for commercial applications and recreational use. Torqeedo is part of the DEUTZ Group.