When it comes to electric propulsion, most shipyards take their existing boats and install an electric drive instead of a combustion engine. Not so with the eLex 610 which, as the name suggests, has been designed for electric drive.
The "German Design Award" for the eLex 610 shows that the combination of electric motor and sports boat is a stylish affair. The Hamburg office "iYacht" is responsible for the design and concept.
The result is a runaboat that can be used for swimming trips, calm yet lively excursions or even water skiing. To make the latter possible, the shipyard fitted our test boat with a 50 kW "Deep Blue" drive unit from Torqeedo. The motor is powered by two high-voltage batteries (345 V), each with a capacity of 12.8 kWh.
E-motors are characterised by their high torque, which ensures good acceleration and helps the water skier in the start phase.
During the transition, the bow lifts only slightly and the hull glides almost imperceptibly at a good 20 km/h. We reach almost 30 km/h with the lever on the table. With the lever on the table, we reach just under 30 km/h. The designer's target is a top speed of around 40 km/h. The reason for the difference is easy to find: The propeller is simply too big.
With an adapted propeller, the eLex reaches 40.9 km/h (manufacturer's specification) and has a power output of 51.3 kW on the display. This panel is located on the control stand and also displays important data such as speed, remaining capacity, travel time and distance travelled.
As with the combustion engines, we have also included a reserve of 15 %. The good thing about the special batteries installed is that you can actually run them down to the last per cent without them being damaged or showing any major loss of performance.
Back to the ranges: It is noticeable that the distances become noticeably shorter from the start of gliding. Here the distances are between 17.8 km and a good 20 km. If we take our range criteria as a basis, a 6 m long glider should cover a good 110 km.
The eLex is a long way from this value when gliding; it only reaches it at displacement speeds of around 7 km/h.
Whether travelling fast or slow, the low noise level and good straight-line stability are impressive, making travelling a relaxing experience. In fast circles and bends, the hull does its laps cleanly and the steering always remains smooth.
If you want to manoeuvre, you have to pay attention to the wind, especially when it pushes sideways on the bow. On our test day with 3-4 Bft, turning circles were only possible with large radii or not at all and the manoeuvring behaviour was quite sluggish or not possible at all.
The steering is controlled by a three-spoke sports steering wheel, which sits quite low. This means that the knee room for the 1.80 metre tall driver is only moderate. The accompanying sliding and swivelling sports seat is sleekly shaped and upholstered. The passenger has the same seat on his side, with a recessed grip in the wall to hold on to.
The front seats are protected from the wind by a tinted safety glass screen, on which we searched in vain for a windscreen wiper. The instruments are easy to read and the pressure switches with indicator lights are easy to operate.
You might expect to find the motor under the huge rear bed. But here you are "disappointed" and find the two battery packs and charging units. The "Deep Blue" is located under a bow hatch, which you simply open while lying on the jetty and climb in.
The water filter and cooling water pump are easily accessible from there. Criticism: There was only one screw clamp on the bottom valve for the cooling system. The electric cables, on the other hand, were fastened by the technician with a sufficient number of clamps (with cable ties).
The shipyard provides a hand-held fire extinguisher (2 kg) and an electric bilge pump as standard safety equipment. We searched in vain for the important hand bilge pump.
In the cockpit, you can take a seat on the rear bench or on the driver and passenger seats. A Plexiglas table looks good, but can only be set up if the two seats just mentioned are turned (towards the cockpit) and pushed all the way back.
Otherwise the table bumps against the backrests. There are recessed grips to hold on to, but their size is just a little too dainty for experienced male hands. A suitably sized bathing platform and ladder are available for bathing enthusiasts.
If you want a cool drink after sunbathing, you'll find it in an electrically operated fridge drawer.
When it comes to all-round protection, the shipyard takes the visually attractive route. In other words, the stainless steel moulding looks great, but transmits the impulses fully to the boat and does not cushion it. The workmanship of the latter makes a solid impression. With a few exceptions, this statement is true for the entire boat finish.
Oh yes, if you don't like electric motors at all, the boat is also available with an internal combustion outboard.
Our conclusion
The eLex is a stylish boat that is a trendsetter with its "deep blue drive". However, the gliding range is still meagre and you have to plan your daily route carefully. In terms of equipment, we are missing important items such as a hand bilge pump and canopy. The Torqeedo display, which informs the driver of all operating statuses and, above all, the remaining range and battery capacity, is great.
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Data sheet: eLex 610
Ralf Marquard
Deputy Editor in Chief BOOTE
