Epic makes Wired Magazine with a Hybrid boat

(yosquire) · (yosquire) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-09-2009, 4:38 PM

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2009/03/epic-wakeboats.html

Hope this isn't a repost.

snip:
"The sleek 22-footer is a series hybrid that uses a small gasoline engine to drive a generator that keeps the lithium-ion batteries going as they approach depletion."

(Message edited by yosquire on March 09, 2009)

(dadthedriver) · (dadthedriver) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 03-09-2009, 4:49 PM

Lol I just posted that link under wakeboarding discussion. I thought it gave a good look into the technology behind the boat that a lot of people might not know.

(brit_rider) · (brit_rider) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-09-2009, 5:01 PM

$150,000?!

Thats a pretty steep price tag, I'd be interested to draw up a costing of how long it would take to make the Epic a worthwhile investment compared to a normal gas powered Epic... if more than 3 years it doesn't really seem worth it. I also wonder how often the batteries will require replacement...

Shame Chris doesn't seem to post on here anymore, I'd love for him to come answer some questions and fill in some more details, although pricey its a sick concept and I'd love to see one on the water...

(malibuboats4) · (malibuboats4) **Join Date: Sep 2008** 03-09-2009, 5:12 PM

hahhahaha, "speedboat"

(dadthedriver) · (dadthedriver) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 03-09-2009, 5:12 PM

At this point in time I not really interested in the ROI I am just excited about the fact that someone is willing to step outside the box and put their ideas into production. If they can truly get the price down to $70,000 it will be a viable option. The Diesel Electric idea he mentioned sounds interesting as well

(grant_west) · (grant_west) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-09-2009, 5:36 PM

That thing is BAD A$$.
I would love to have one. Chris if you wanna give me one Ill give you the Bling Bling. Ill pimp out the Electric Epic to my spec's and demo it for ya. Ill bet I could use the gas generator motor to power the crazest most boomin system.

(rio_sanger) · (rio_sanger) **Join Date: Apr 2007** 03-09-2009, 6:05 PM

By Brit Rider (brit_rider) on Monday, March 09, 2009 - 5:01 pm:

$150,000?!

"That's a pretty steep price tag, I'd be interested to draw up a costing of how long it would take to make the Epic a worthwhile investment compared to a normal gas powered Epic... if more than 3 years it doesn't really seem worth it."

Quick figuring, so don't bash my math...

(Using round figures just to get the idea)

Gas Epic - 8 gph, hybrid - 4 gph

100 hours per year, 400 gallons less per year

@$4.00 per gal = $1600.00 savings per year
$150,000 vs $75,000 price difference

46 years to break even

Not to take anything from Chris' venture, I think it is awesome, but it is like the hybrid cars, it's all about making a statement.
If I could afford one I'd be all over it.

(brit_rider) · (brit_rider) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-09-2009, 6:13 PM

Does anyone know if its the 8.1 litre engine in the boat still or if they made it smaller? I keep hearing the phrase "compact gas engine" but whats compact??

(krbaugh) · (krbaugh) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 03-09-2009, 6:28 PM

The boat is not driven by a gas engine.
IT has an electric motor that is powered by batteries that are kept charged with a gas generator. So no 8.1 liter Engine

(brit_rider) · (brit_rider) **Join Date: May 2004** 03-09-2009, 6:32 PM

"a hybrid system Anthony calls Flux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive"

I thought when the batteries are dead that it can run on the engine? I'm fairly positive of this.
Also, I would be interested to know what the 8.1 in the drive description is, if it isn't an 8.1 litre engine.

(krbaugh) · (krbaugh) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 03-09-2009, 7:15 PM

The article says

"The sleek 22-footer is a series hybrid that uses a small gasoline engine to drive a generator that keeps the lithium-ion batteries going as they approach depletion. It's similar to what you'll find under the hood of the Chevrolet Volt, and we haven't heard of anyone using something like this in a boat."

The Volt is an electric Car with a generator to keep the batteries charged.

So if the article is correct it is an Electric boat with a generator to keep the batteries charged. Just like the Volt

Who knows what the 8.1 stands for.

(ralph) · (ralph) **Join Date: Apr 2002** 03-09-2009, 7:20 PM

Maybe it performs like a 8.1, kinda like how Lexus badges their hybrids.

(krbaugh) · (krbaugh) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 03-09-2009, 7:36 PM

Could be that it has equivalent HP to the 8.1 and it is just a marketing thing how knows

(dadthedriver) · (dadthedriver) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 03-09-2009, 8:28 PM

My understanding is it has 375 Hp same as the 8.1 so that is why that is in there

(yosquire) · (yosquire) **Join Date: Jun 2005** 03-09-2009, 10:44 PM

8.1 is how many years it'll take to sell one.

(fatsac) · (fatsac) **Join Date: Jun 2004** 03-10-2009, 6:41 AM

If you do buy one, who would be certified to work on the system?

(formfunction) · (formfunction) **Join Date: Jun 2008** 03-10-2009, 9:49 AM

One thing not to forget is the life span of the battery pack.Those things are not cheap you know.

(dadthedriver) · (dadthedriver) **Join Date: Jul 2004** 03-10-2009, 1:21 PM

As far as no one buying one. That is what I said when lexus came out with their LS hybrids that starts at $50,000 more then the same gas powered car. But talking with my buddy who is the sales Manager they cant keep them on the lot. Also EPIC said they hope to get the cost down to $70,000 once they really get production going.

(krbaugh) · (krbaugh) **Join Date: Mar 2002** 03-10-2009, 4:52 PM

Just think how Happy you could make Al Gore and company!!!! You made a sacrifice to Save the planet from eminent destruction.

Only 6 years and change left on the clock
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