Not everything that happens at the Cannes Film Festival has to do with the big screen or the red carpet. The southern French city’s port has also experienced the world premiere of high-end sustainable mobility, in this case. This is The Icon, a luxury boat made by boat manufacturer Tide in collaboration with BMW, which has provided not only the battery but also other technical know-how.
The yacht, which is 13.5 meters in length and reaches a maximum speed of 30 knots (equivalent to about 55 km/h), is interesting for its performance. And it is that to date most electric marine proposals are tailored to small vessels, low performance and low autonomy.
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The Ikon is equipped with six batteries from the BMW i3 electric car, with a total capacity of 240 kWh. In addition, it includes technology based on hydrofoils (foiling) which saves up to 80% energy and hence increases the distance covered with a charge. So you can navigate over 50 nautical miles (about 100km).
The ship’s navigation system is based on hydrofoils.
bmw
This system causes the curvature of the upper face to create negative pressure and generate lift force. The vehicle is raised above the water and drag is kept to a minimum – the boat literally floats on top of the water. Two propellers integrated into the rear foil provide propulsion. Between 10 and 12 seconds elapse from the time the yacht starts to plan on the water. Passengers fly more or less a meter above the water, regardless of the waves.
As this is an electric unit, it barely makes noise or vibrates. At the mechanical level, it mounts two 100 kW electric motors. Most of the boat’s functions can be controlled from the large 32-inch touch screen with 6K technology and an interface inspired by the latest operating system from the German house, BMW Operating System 8. The system also includes voice control for access to range information. Or the weather report.
Icon’s hull hovers over the water, providing an immersive sailing experience without waves
bmw
The Icon Experience features an exclusive soundtrack by Hans Zimmer
Furthermore, to add an even more special component, the navigation experience is accompanied by a soundtrack composed exclusively for the boat by renowned and award-winning composer Hans Zimmer.
Icon’s interior design allows passengers to enjoy views of the water through large glass surfaces, graced by a series of LED light strips and a lounge area with designer furniture laid on a sumptuous carpet, a kaleidoscope produces effect.
The Icon’s exclusive and luxurious interiors have been designed with attention to detail
bmw
The boat includes 360-degree rotating seats that add the possibility to focus on audiovisual offers that can also be enjoyed on a tablet or social interaction.
In short, The Icon is not only a new means of luxury transportation, but also reflects the development of a new technology for both private and commercial use.
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