FPT leads Venice waterbus hybrid retrofit mission

The boat, which is operated by the public transport body AVM’s transport arm Actv, is a pilot in the operator’s modernisation plan for its lagoon fleet, which serves the iconic Venetian canals, ‘a major part of the city’s DNA’, it says.

The MotoBattello 3 will have an auxiliary FPT Industrial N67 450 N variable speed engine, which is coupled to a variable speed generator integrated with a battery pack with eight LFP (lithium iron phosphate) modules, powering a 147kW electric motor serving propulsion and auxiliary loads. FPT says the N67 engine is Stage V compliant and does not need an exhaust after-treatment system.

FPT, which is the brand of Iveco Group, is working with the distributor Bimotor and Vulkan Italia in technically overhauling the MotoBattello 3, and once the hybrid retrofit is completed it will begin operational testing.

“As measured and certified during the bench testing carried out by Vulkan Italia and verified by Actv technicians, the new propulsion solution provides reductions in pollutants such as carbon monoxide of 32%, nitrogen oxides (NOx) of 26%, particulate matter of 31% and unburned hydrocarbons of 7% for a total reduction in emissions of 28%,” FPT says.

“One of FPT Industrial’s most important pieces of heritage in the marine field, the NEF engines are the Brand’s most extensive product family for the segment, and are available in both mechanical and electronic version for recreational and professional applications, with power outputs ranging from 74 kW to 419 kW and from 63 kW to 390 kW.”

“This project perfectly exemplifies how FPT Industrial engines can play a leading role in the technological renewal of a wide range of applications, including on-road, off-road, marine, and power generation,” said Andrea Arcuraci, head of Sales, EMEA Dealers at FPT Industrial. “Breathing new life into historic vessels such as those in the City of Venice’s fleet – integral to the city’s worldwide beauty and identity – is a source of great pride for us. The future of mobility also depends on the modernization of existing fleets, and FPT Industrial engines offer an ideal solution for this transition, including in hybrid systems like the MotoBattello 3. Such projects are made possible thanks to the commitment of our distributor network, which ensures comprehensive, continuous support, fully tailored to meet each customer’s specific requirements.”