Volvo Penta Unveils Next-Gen Fully Electric IPS Marine Propulsion System
Volvo Penta has taken a bold step into the future of marine mobility with the launch of its fully electric propulsion range—an evolution of its renowned IPS (Inboard Performance System) platform. Initially developed with the commercial marine sector in mind, this new electric offering introduces five modular drivelines engineered to deliver unmatched efficiency, precision, and adaptability across a variety of vessel types and mission profiles.
Following the rollout of its hybrid-electric IPS (H) solutions earlier in 2024, Volvo Penta’s latest innovation completes a robust electric propulsion portfolio. Together, these systems offer marine operators scalable, “fit-for-purpose” solutions tailored to diverse operational demands and duty cycles.
At the heart of the new electric range is a high-performance electric motor directly coupled to the signature Volvo Penta IPS driveline. Available in twin, triple, or quadruple installations, the system maintains the platform’s hallmark features—including forward-facing propulsion for enhanced hydrodynamic performance and maneuverability.
“Our goal with this range is to provide a true plug-and-play electric propulsion system—engineered to preserve the unique benefits of our IPS platform while offering flexibility to scale in collaboration with third-party integrators,” said Anna Müller, President of Volvo Penta.
Unlike conventional marine systems that push a vessel forward, Volvo Penta IPS pulls the hull through the water. When paired with electric propulsion, this results in a high-efficiency, zero-emissions system that delivers rapid acceleration, tight turning radii, and exceptional precision in navigation.
The new IPS electric range will begin its phased rollout in Q4 2025, starting with the IPS900E, which delivers up to 515 kW of power. Subsequent releases—including the IPS650E rated at 374 kW—will round out a suite of five drivelines designed to span output levels from 220 kW to 1.1 MW per unit. In its most powerful configuration, the system can scale to 4.5 MW via a quad installation.
Each installation includes Volvo Penta’s signature “helm-to-propeller” integration, preserving the intuitive control experience that IPS is known for. The system incorporates the Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) suite, including Joystick Driving, Dynamic Positioning System, Autopilot, and Assisted Docking—further enhancing precision and ease of use.
Operators will also benefit from a unified Human-Machine Interface (HMI), allowing real-time system monitoring and seamless drive mode transitions via Volvo Penta’s Energy Management System (EMS). Three drive modes—Pure Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Hybrid Fuel—allow captains to adapt propulsion settings to match environmental, operational, and regulatory conditions.
To ensure compatibility with a broad range of vessel architectures, Volvo Penta is collaborating with qualified integrators to deliver full-system electric propulsion packages. These will include the IPS driveline, onboard Energy Storage Systems (ESS), DC grid components, potential marine gensets, and Volvo Penta’s proprietary EMS.
“We’re proud to introduce a system that combines the performance heritage of Volvo Penta IPS with the forward-looking promise of electric propulsion,” said Müller. “Through strategic partnerships, we aim to redefine the possibilities of marine mobility.”
As the industry accelerates toward sustainability, Volvo Penta’s electric IPS platform represents a significant milestone in reshaping marine propulsion for a low-emission future.
