Thunder, the first unit of the 14-seat luxury hybrid water taxi designed by Venice-based studio Nuvolari Lenard, has ‘obtained complete approval by the classification bodies’ after a test period of about a year.
Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard designed the hybrid venetian water taxi
Built at Cantieri Vizianello in Venice, the 9.2m luxury water taxi was conceived by Carlo Nuvolari and Dan Lenard, who organised a forum at last year’s Venice Boat Show to discuss potential designs for a hybrid luxury watercraft that could help solve the city’s pollution problem.
“As Venetians, Dan and I feel a strong connection with the city and have experienced first-hand the damage that is being caused to its delicate structures, through air and noise pollution as well as physical erosion,” Nuvolari said.
“We felt that it was crucial to address the problems facing our beautiful hometown, and that Nuvolari Lenard was well placed to lead the charge in finding a solution.”
The 14-seat water taxi features great comfort, luxurious finishes and elegant design
The new luxury water taxi is focused on the use of green technology and uses a hybrid engine that combines electric propulsion, for use within Venice’s low-speed waterways, and diesel propulsion, for higher speeds to and from the airport. Cantieri Vizianello developed the mechanical and electronic coupling system.
“Diesel-electric hybrid propulsion seemed to be the most efficient solution for Venice’s particular requirements,” Nuvolari said.
“Short battery life is a common concern for many hybrid propulsion systems. However, in Venice, the water taxis make regular trips to the airport in open water where they travel at higher speeds using diesel, which gives the batteries time to recharge, even if not completely, for when the vessel returns to the low-speed confines of the city’s waterways. In these areas, it will only draw on the stored electric power.”
The water taxi features a mix of wood and modern technology including hybrid power
Nuvolari Lenard has received a request for the water taxi to be used as a limousine tender for a superyacht client, but is also hoping the design will eventually be mass produced and set an example within Venice.
“We hope that this progressive model for transportation in the city will change the mindset of the historically conservative transport companies in Venice,” he said.
“Although the technology on board is ultra-modern, we made every effort to respect the stylistic heritage of the classic water taxis for which Venice is famous, and so the new designs use traditional wooden materials with some modernisation.
“Nuvolari Lenard is very proud to be doing something for Venice, as it is so close to our hearts and a stunning place that we want to help preserve for future generations.”