Balance Catamarans is to be the first OEM boat builder to adopt the new Integrel E-Drive power and propulsion system launching later in 2024.
The two companies have a longstanding partnership with Balance Catamarans being an early adopter of Integrel Solution’s E-Power product that provides an alternative to traditional generator configurations.
By working with Integrel from the earliest stages to provide insight and feedback from Balance Catamarans, the companies have developed the technology and its full integration into the Balance line of models.
The result was up to 18kW of energy generation while optimising fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and minimising noise.
“Being the first to integrate E-Drive into the Balance models signifies our long-term commitment to providing owners with the most advanced, eco-friendly options available,” said Phil Berman, owner of Balance Catamarans.
“Our continued efforts to ‘stay in balance’ in finding solutions that improve overall efficiency in energy generation, and offer cleaner, greener boating both in product evolution and production improvements, has led us to working closely with Integrel Solutions for over five years now.”
The new E-Drive provides up to 30kW of power generation and 40hp of electric drive.
Balance Catamarans, manufactured in South Africa, will offer E-Drive as an option on all models in the Balance range.
The E-Drive is installed between the engine and gearbox and accommodates both sail drive and shaft drive configurations.
The first Balance Catamaran fitted with the E-Drive is due to be launched later this year.
“We see ourselves as partners in innovation,” explained Trevor Howard, CEO of Integrel Solutions. “The strength of our partnership with Balance means they are a natural fit to install the very first Integrel E-Drive unit onboard one of their catamarans.
“E-Drive is set to be game-changing solution that not only reduces emissions and fuel consumption but also provides boat owners with the choice of reducing their environmental impact.”
