German sportscar manufacturer Porsche has unveiled the latest creation stemming from its collaboration with Austrian-based Frauscher Shipyard, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom, a classic electric runabout with a range of up to 100 kilometres and seating for seven passengers.
The Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Runabout is the second boat to be launched by the two companies, following the launch in June of 2023 of the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air.
Just as Porsche two-door sportscars are available as both coupés and convertibles, among other variants, the new Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom is now available as both a Runabout and Air.
While the two boats are similar in most regards, the Air boasts an open foredeck compared to the closed foredeck on the Runabout.
Image Credit: Porsche/Frauscher
Measuring in at 8.67-metre long and 2.49-metre wide, the Runabout features the all-electric drive unit from the Porsche Macan which boasts a permanently excited synchronous motor delivering up to 400 kW. Meanwhile, the boat is powered by a 100kWh battery, which is the same as that found in the Porsche Macan.
Backed by the power from the Porsche Macan drive unit and battery, the Runabout can reach speeds of up to 90km/h, though that’ll eat through the battery quickly. Battery range at a cruising speed of around 41km/h (22knots) works out to around 45km, but at slower speeds Porsche says the range can extend out to 100km.
DC charging is available up to 270kW with AC charging up to 11kW.
Unlike the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom Air, the Runabout boasts seating for only 7 (down from 9) but keeps the two sunbathing pads at the bow.
The Fantom Runabout also comes equipped a folding sunshade, high-end audio system, and a 12-inch infotainment display which includes an echo sounder and chart plotter. A second screen is also included, just like in the Macan, while LED ambient lighting and LED underwater lighting at the rear add to the boat’s style.
Coming in at €572,934 net, or around $A945,000, converted, the Frauscher x Porsche 850 Fantom is manufactured at the Frauscher shipyard in Ohlsdorf, Upper Austria. The chances, then, of it being seen in Australia would appear to be slim, unless you’ve got the money to have it shipped across the globe.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.