Valence Technology just announced that the company has joined a team of yachting industry leaders committed to developing a hybrid bluewater yacht and bringing it to market. Other team members include custom yacht builder Foundation Beneteau Yachts, marine diesel engine company Volkswagen AG and Tier 1 driveline integrator ZF Marine. Valence will provide its lithium-ion battery systems for the yachts.
In a press release, Robert L. Kanode, president and CEO of Valence Technology, commented on the effort:
“We are proud to be on the team that will bring hybrid Foundation Beneteau Yachts to market. Our safe lithium iron magnesium phosphate energy storage solutions offer several benefits over traditional lead acid batteries. When you’re at sea and the wind dies, marine drive systems are much more efficient and pollute less if powered by a diesel-electric hybrid that can power the house load at the same time.”