Internationally known author and marine electrical expert Nigel Calder has selected an E motion hybrid system for his new Malo 45' sloop. Calder, who has written extensively and sometimes critically about electric propulsion in Professional Boatbuilder and Sail magazines, has decided to conduct his own side-by-side comparison between the E motion system and a conventional diesel engine.

Calder said he sold his previous Malo 45, made by Malo Yachts of Kungsviken, Sweden, and bought another one "in order to build the same boat again with a hybrid propulsion system in parallel with a conventional engine installation."

Unlike our standard serial hybrid setup, Calder's new boat will have a parallel hybrid propulsion system. The prop shaft will connect directly to the diesel engine as in a conventional inboard system. The E motion 16 kw motor will be mounted next to the prop shaft and coupled to it with a belt and pulley arrangement. The standard E motion configuration would have the batteries powering the 16 kw electric motor, with a backup diesel generator feeding through the battery pack.

The boat's 75 hp diesel will require a 3.2-1 reduction gear to be able to turn the large propeller, which will be 22 inches or more in diameter. The 16 kw E motion motor, however, will need no reduction gear. It will turn the prop directly through its 1-1 belt connection to the shaft.

Nigel Calder's previous Malo 45. His new boat with E motion hybrid drive
will be the same model.

The old Malo 45		Calder contemplates his new Malo while cruising on the Lagoon 47

With his unique parallel arrangement, Calder said, he will be able to collect "objective comparative data" as part of his ongoing research into hybrid technology.

"We welcome Nigel's critical eye on our system," said EMP CEO Dave Tether. "This is not the setup we normally recommend, but his research objectives are different from our typical customer's goals. He and I have debated the pros and cons of hybrid electric drive for years now, and this is the best way to convince him we know what we're talking about."

Tether noted that Calder visited EMP's Ft. Myers Beach FL headquarters this summer and took our R&D boat, a Lagoon 47, for a test drive. "I think he was pretty impressed by it," Tether said, "but that's my opinion. Nigel's keeping his own counsel."

Tether pointed out, however, that there are other electric motors available that Calder could have selected for his test, but he opted instead for the E motion Hybrids 16 kw. "I have to think that's a good sign," he said.

Launch date for Calder's unique new parallel hybrid Malo is expected to be May 2008.