A global electric energy architecture
The Hybrid Leopard 46 is built around a comprehensive hybrid-electric energy architecture engineered to seamlessly support both propulsion and onboard power requirements across a wide spectrum of cruising profiles. This integrated system brings together electric propulsion, high-capacity energy storage, renewable energy generation, and a backup generator into a single, cohesive, and intelligently managed platform.
Electric propulsion of the Leopard 46
The vessel is equipped with electric propulsion units delivering up to 25 kW per hull, providing smooth, responsive handling during harbor maneuvers and coastal navigation. In typical operating conditions, the Hybrid Leopard 46 can cruise in full electric mode at moderate speeds, supporting daily navigation without reliance on fossil fuels. Sea trials and operational use have demonstrated the ability to cover long distances under electric power, confirming the suitability of electric propulsion for real cruising scenarios rather than limited demonstrations.
Energy production and regeneration
Energy autonomy is supported by multiple onboard energy sources, including:
- shore power charging
- solar energy generation
- hydrogeneration while sailing
Under sail, energy recovery can reach up to 1.8 kW per hull, contributing continuously to battery recharge and extending operational range. This regenerative capability allows energy to be produced while navigating, reducing dependency on external charging infrastructure.
Intelligent energy management
All energy flows : production, storage, propulsion, and onboard consumption, are coordinated through an intelligent energy management system. A centralized interface provides clear visibility of system status, enabling the crew to monitor and manage energy usage with minimal intervention. Automation plays a key role in optimizing efficiency, ensuring energy availability while maintaining system simplicity and operational reliability.
Onboard comfort and silent operation
Electric propulsion significantly reduces noise and vibration, improving comfort both underway and at anchor. Onboard systems : including lighting, refrigeration, navigation electronics, and hotel loads, are supplied directly from the energy storage system, supporting quiet living conditions without continuous generator operation. This configuration allows the generator to remain in a secondary, backup role, contributing to reduced fuel consumption and a more relaxed onboard experience.
Hybrid configuration for operational continuity
While daily operation prioritizes electric propulsion and renewable energy, the system retains a hybrid capability to ensure operational continuity. This configuration provides redundancy and flexibility, particularly during extended passages or in conditions where energy production may be limited.
Hybridization is therefore not the primary mode of use, but a structural element of reliability and security within the overall electrification strategy.
The Hybrid Leopard 46 illustrates how boat electrification can be implemented at scale, combining performance, autonomy, and usability within a production cruising catamaran.
