Diesel-electric
LRC/XPM

All models can be outfitted with diesel-electric propulsion backed by a LiFePO4 battery bank, an extensive array of solar panels, and one or two well-dimensioned generators. It allows the owner, among others, to enter and leave the harbor in stealth mode.

The LRC58 can reach comparable performance figures with a 50 kW electric motor (serial hybrid) at an extra cost of around 6% of the build costs (Q3-2022). Based on a 33 kW battery pack, a 22 kW generator, an LRC58 would have approximately 20 nm of range at 5 knots. Under generator, one would continuously motor at 5 knots in most weather conditions or 8 knots in good conditions.

Another way to equip an LRC58 with hybrid propulsion (parallel hybrid) is to install an 25 kW electric motor to the aft end of the main engine with a toothed belt connected to the shaft. This motor will be powered by a 30 kW Lithium dedicated battery pack. Sailing at 4.4 knots gives the vessel (flatwater, clean bottom) a range of 10 hours or 40 nm on the battery. Extending the solar panel capacity to 3 kW means the LRC58 will be able to sail electrically without using the battery. When not in use the electric motor will act as an alternator.
An excellent proposition for canal or inland cruising.

The LRC65 equipped with two 50 kW motors reaches similar results as with one traditional diesel engine. The build costs of the serial hybrid LRC65 are comparable to the twin-engine LRC65 (Q4-2022). On sunny days the electric propulsion will drive the LRC65 at a modest but steady 3 knots on solar alone.

The XPM78-02 will get twin JD 4045 engines and (parallel hybrid) electric drives backed by a significantly large split Lithium battery bank.

A word of warning — equipping an LRC or XPM with diesel-electric propulsion must be carefully considered (further reading) and consequently designed and depends very much on the use case!