Jaguar Vector Racing has given electric propulsion on the water a big boost by breaking the British and world electric speed records for a battery-powered boat. On June 15, the Jaguar Vector Racing V20E piloted by Jaguar Vector co-founder and technical director Peter Dredge made an average speed of 88.61 mph (142.6 km/h) over two legs of the 1-km (0.62-mi) course on Coniston Water in northern England, smashing the previous record of 76.8 mph (123.6 km/h) set in 2008.
Created in partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering, the V20E was developed using Formula E technology. The stripped-down inshore powerboat made its record-breaking run using two Yasa electric motors powered by batteries weighing in at 705 lb (320 kg) and punching 295 bhp (220 kW). Williams provided the electric power, motor and control systems for the boat.
"After 12 months of hard work, this is a fantastic result for the team and our partners and a great first step in bringing the power and versatility of electrification to the marine industry," says Malcolm Crease, CEO of Jaguar Vector Racing. "It is a great honor for the Vector team to follow in the footsteps of Donald Campbell CBE and to set a world record on the historic Coniston Water."
Jaguar Vector says that its team will continue to challenge other world and national records over the next year and a half as a way to spur innovation and provide a showcase for British engineering.
The video below shows the V20E going through its paces and claiming the new maritime electric world record.
Source: Jaguar Vector