Volvo Penta IPS goes electric

Volvo Penta’s IPS has felt like a product of destiny ever since its debut in 2006 — a true game changer, as many have called it. The Inboard Performance System stern drive, which made it possible to bypass the traditional shaft line—at least up to certain propeller power levels—has now taken a major step forward with its move into electric propulsion. Its success lies in its hydrodynamic efficiency, compact design, and the unique proposition of offering a fully integrated package: from joystick to propeller, with individually steerable, forward-facing drives mounted beneath the hull, each equipped with twin counter-rotating propellers.

IPS Electric is available also in quadruple configuration

The Volvo Penta IPS Electric (E) range is a powerful complement to the hybrid electric (H) solutions introduced earlier in 2024. Through its subsidiary, ZEM, there is the ability to provide a complete hybrid or fully electric configuration, including electric propulsion, potential marine generator sets, the ESS, and EMS. In this new, fully electric marine propulsion offer, the electric motor is directly coupled to the Volvo Penta IPS driveline and available in twin, triple, or quadruple configurations. This opens possibilities for a broader range of vessels to harness the core benefits of the Volvo Penta IPS system – such as Electronic Vessel Control (EVC), forward-facing propulsion, and outstanding maneuverability. Starting in Q4 2025, Volvo Penta will roll out the IPS900E (up to 515 kW), followed by models like the IPS650E (up to 374 kW). The aim is to electrify all five drivelines in the Volvo Penta IPS range, targeting power outputs from 220 kW to 1.1 MW per driveline – scaling up to 4.5 MW for quad installations. The complete electric range will include full ‘helm-to-propeller’ functionality, maintaining the maneuverability and control that define the Volvo Penta IPS experience. This includes Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system, with premium features like Joystick Driving, Dynamic Positioning System, Autopilot, and Assisted Docking. Operators will benefit from a fully integrated Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that enables seamless drive mode selection and system monitoring via the Energy Management System (EMS).

Straight from the Top

“We have built up strong expertise based on 20 years of efficient operation with more than 40,000 Volvo Penta IPS drivelines in operation, as well as recent successful market pilots in marine electrification,” says Anna Müller, President of Volvo Penta. “Our aim with this new range is to deliver a plug and play electric propulsion solution, keeping the uniqueness of our core competence, but also designed to scale together with 3rd party integrators.”