Ellen – the world’s biggest all-electric ferry has successfully made its first commercial trip between the ports of Søby and Fynshav, on the islands of Aerø and Als, in southern Denmark.
The ‘e-ferry’ is able to carry around 30 vehicles and 200 passengers and is powered by a 4.3MWh battery system provided by Leclanché SA. It is expected to become fully operational within a few weeks.
The boat works the same as a standard single-ended drive passenger ferry. It has one continuous main deck for trucks and cars. However, its 4.3MWh lithium-ion battery system means that it will prevent the release of 2000 tonnes of CO2, 42 tonnes of NOx, 2.5 tonnes of particulates and 1.4 tonnes of SO2 into the atmosphere.
The project is part of the Danish Natura project. Natura aims to offer environmentally friendly transport for local residents and is funded in part through the European Unions Horizon 2020 and Innovation Program.
The ferries battery system was produced by Leclanché and uses high-energy G-NMC lithium-ion cells. As the risk of being submerged in water is higher than a car or truck; the cells have unique safety features which include a bi-cellular laminated design and ceramic separators. The ferry also has state of the art Fire prevention and extinguishing systems.
