Two heavyweights in the world of high-performance battery technology are teaming up to develop the world's first luxury boat with lithium-sulphur batteries. Motorsport supplier Williams Advanced Engineering and lithium-sulphur specialist Oxis Energy will collaborate on a 400 kWh battery pack good for 100 nautical miles per charge.
Both UK companies aim to translate the growing popularity of lithium-sulphur battery technology to the marine sector. Earlier, Oxis pre-saw an eColt electric aircraft from a lightweight battery pack that could be flown 370 km. Williams was the original battery supplier for Formula E racing, a role it will assume again for the 2022/23 season. It also supplies the batteries for the ETCR and Extreme E series. The companies previously collaborated on other projects as well.
First application
Oxis and Williams are now setting their sights on the sea in collaboration with Singapore-based Yachts de Luxe (YdL). Using Oxis' ultra-light lithium-sulphur cell technology, Williams will develop the 400 kWh battery pack and battery management system for a more than 12-metre-long luxury pleasure yacht designed by YdL director Jean-Jacques Coste. The battery system will power the yacht over a planned sailing range between 70 and 100 nautical miles (130 and 185 km).
Williams has considerable expertise in the design, development and assembly of advanced battery systems, including a number of applications in the highly demanding world of motorsport. Through its collaboration with Oxis Energy, that potential is now being explored in the marine sector.
In addition to five times higher energy density as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulphur cells do not rely on toxic or rare earth materials, offering a safer alternative for open-water applications. At the end of the battery's life, the materials can be disposed of without harming the environment. In addition to the boat now under development, Williams expects the battery system technology to be scalable to other vessels.
The new lithium-sulphur-powered electric boat will make its debut at the 2021 Monaco Yacht Show next September.
