Volvo Penta unveils hybrid-electric propulsion for yachts, commercial vessels
At Volvo Penta, we aim to lead the marine industry with premium solutions – for today and tomorrow. Starting at the end of 2025, Volvo Penta will begin limited-scale production of its fully integrated, advanced hybrid-electric propulsion across its heavy-duty range, including both yachts and commercial vessels.
Volvo Penta has unveiled its groundbreaking hybrid-electric propulsion package, showcasing an unwavering commitment to advancing the future of marine technology for both the yacht and marine commercial segments. This unique offering delivers a fully integrated hybrid-electric package, ensuring seamless operation and an exceptional user experience. The system guarantees smooth transitions between power modes, enhancing performance, comfort, and operational efficiency.
The hybrid-electric propulsion package introduces features such as near-silent cruising, reduced noise, and vibrations in electric mode, providing a closer connection to nature and on the commercial side, improving the work environment for crew members. Onboard, the system facilitates peaceful nights using battery power instead of a generator. Features like Joystick Driving, Joystick Docking, and Assisted Docking in Pure Electric Mode make docking, departure, and operation smooth and effortless. Additionally, the system enables access to emission-free zones, offering operators a significant business advantage and facilitating operations in environmentally regulated areas. It is fully compliant with IMO II/III and EPA Tier 3 standards.
“Our hybrid-electric propulsion package represents a significant step forward in marine technology, combining innovation with seamless performance to meet the demands of both leisure yachts and commercial vessels,” said Johan Inden, President of the Marine Business at Volvo Penta.
A fully integrated hybrid-electric system for yachts and commercial vessels
The Volvo Penta hybrid-electric package is a complete, fully integrated system, with Volvo Penta controlling all parts from helm-to-propeller. The system features the full range Volvo Penta D13 IPS 900/1050/1200/1350 Hybrid, a 160 kW electric marine engine, and Volvo Penta optimized batteries, delivering powerful performance, excellent maneuverability, and efficiency. The electric machine and diesel engine work in parallel on the same drive shaft, allowing for smooth Pure Electric drive mode, Hybrid mode, and automatic power transitions.
In Cross-Over mode, one diesel engine powers both drives, optimizing efficiency and prolonging time between engine maintenance. Depending on the chosen drive mode, the system automatically controls whether the boat should be powered by the electric marine engine, the combustion engine, or both, ensuring seamless operation. Additionally, the combustion engine can serve as a generator to recharge batteries during the voyage or while docking, drastically reducing or eliminating the need for additional generator runtime.
Pioneering hybrid-electric features for yachts and commercial operators
The hybrid-electric propulsion package integrates advanced technology, orchestrated by Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system. It offers innovative drive modes, enabling Joystick Driving, Joystick Docking, Low Speed Mode, Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), and Assisted Docking in both Pure Electric and Hybrid modes. The package features a Glass Cockpit system with a hybrid-electric driver interface (HMI) view, displaying new functions such as drive modes and battery status. In commercial vessels, Type Approved Display (TAD) screens ensure compliance and reliability. The EVC system also enables engine status monitoring, remote diagnostics, data sharing, and software updates, ensuring an enhanced level of premium support through Volvo Penta’s global service network.
"Our hybrid-electric package integrates cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional performance and reliability across marine applications, enhancing both operational efficiency and the user experience," added Johan Inden.
A seamless and serene on-water experience
The Volvo Penta hybrid-electric propulsion package offers a harmonious experience at sea, combining the range and top speed of traditional engines with the near-silence and zero emissions of Pure Electric Mode. This allows for smooth and quiet cruising, making it ideal for leisure yacht owners seeking a closer connection to nature, as well as commercial operators requiring efficiency and compliance with emission regulations.
For yachts, the system enables off-grid mooring, with battery energy powering all onboard needs in complete silence, drastically reducing generator run-time. For commercial operators, the package ensures optimal comfort with reduced noise and vibrations in electric mode, promoting better working conditions for crew members and enhancing passenger comfort during extended operations.
The extensive energy stored in the battery bank allows for off-grid living onboard yachts, while in commercial vessels, it supports extended service intervals, improving cost management and operational efficiency.
Optimized for both leisure yacht and commercial needs
The Volvo Penta hybrid-electric propulsion package offers versatility for both segments. For yachts, the system enhances luxury and comfort while reducing the environmental footprint, enabling closer proximity to nature and quiet cruising through emission-free zones. For commercial operators, it provides streamlined maintenance, cost-efficiency, and compliance with IMO II/III and EPA Tier 3 regulations, giving a competitive edge in environmentally sensitive areas.
Delivery of the Volvo Penta D13 IPS hybrid-electric propulsion package is set to begin at the end of 2025, available for both leisure yachts and commercial vessels.
Technical specifications:
Available for twin, triple or quad installations
D13 IPS 900/1050/1200/1350 Hybrid
160 kW Electric Marine Engine
Emission Compliance: IMO II/III , EPA Tier 3
Features: Joystick Driving, Joystick Docking, Dynamic Positioning System, Assisted Docking, Glass Cockpit System and TAD (Type Approved Displays) with hybrid-electric driver interface (HMI) view displaying new functions such as drive modes and battery status.
Charging via CCS2 Standard Interface (supports shore charging up to 250 kW DC and 43 kW AC)
Charging via combustion engine (available while underway, at anchor, or docked)
Support Features: Engine status monitoring, remote diagnostics, data sharing, and software updates
Premium service and support: Through Volvo Penta’s global network.
