EV boats can significantly reduce or moderate utility bills, while also increasing a country’s GDP because most fossil fuels are imported. EV boats, otherwise known as electric boats, are gradually soaring in popularity as people focus on more eco-friendly ways of living.
The transition to EV boats can also be attributed to favorable bank policies, increased end-user awareness of the environmental impact of Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs), quietness, low costs, and the smooth running of electric engines.
Some of the “limousines” of the water command very high prices due to their luxurious nature, which brings us to the most expensive EV boats.
- Best Overall: Tesla Model Y Yacht ($700M)
- Best for Quiet Cruising: Silent Yacht 80 ($6.7 Million)
- Best for Longest Range and Fast Charge: Hardy 42 Hybrid ($1,135, 260)
- Best for Speed: The VITA Lion EV Boat ($892,500)
- Best Lightweight EV Boat: Hinckley Dasher ($500,000)
In this guide, we’ll talk about some of the most expensive EV boats, green energy, and trends you’ll find on the market.
Best Overall: Tesla Model Y Yacht ($700M)
The Tesla Model Y Yacht is the world’s first autonomous boat, unveiled in late 2017. It has an ingenious, sleek, and large appearance, with a length of 40 meters (131.2ft). The yacht features a double deck, upper and lower, with plenty of room on the lower deck for larger events or parties, two bedrooms, a lounge, spa, bar area, and a jacuzzi.
The jaw-dropping $700 million price tag seems high. However, reports show that most luxury yacht owners spend about $400,000 annually on fuel, a cost EV boat owners don’t have to worry about. When the yacht is stationary, it will not generate HEP electricity, but the solar panels will charge the dual-lithium batteries.
A massive canopy covers the yacht’s deck from stern to mid-section with numerous skylights that turn to LEDs in the dark. It also has a seating area on the port side with panoramic windows on the stern. The inventive circular tables on the lower deck have no seats, but they can open up to form seats with the touch of a remote button.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek and modern design | Very expensive |
| Spacious for parties | |
| Durable Lio-ion batteries | |
| Large solar panels | |
| Self-sustaining capabilities |
Best for Quiet Cruising: Silent Yacht 80 ($6.7 Million)
The Silent Yacht 80 is a 24.32m (79.79ft) emblem of silent, luxurious, and refined EV boat pioneering. The silent Yacht 80 can cruise at 6-7 knots in pin-drop silence, making it one of the quietest models. This 6.7 million dollar yacht has an interior and elegant exterior designed to outcompete the best.
The Silent Yacht 80 is an EV catamaran that can cover up to 100 nautical miles after a single charge. Its spacious interior has four guest bedrooms and a main suite.
The boat boasts a safe marine propulsion system, zero pollution, noiseless cruising, little to no maintenance, and an unlimited range. Its cruising speed ranges from 6-8 knots, although it can reach a top speed of up to 20 knots.
The boat is from an Australian-based solar catamarans manufacturer, which began conceptualizing these boats in 2019, after the Silent 55 model was recognized as the best boat for travel in 2019.
The Silent 80 model has an unlimited range of electric propulsion with no emissions. It also has solar panels that generate about 26kW, lithium batteries, and electric motors, enhancing the boat’s efficiency.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pin-drop silence cruising | Low cruise speeds |
| Marine safe | |
| Unlimited propulsion range | |
| Compelling solar panels | |
| Elegant interior and exterior |
Best for Longest Range and Fast Charge: Hardy 42 Hybrid ($1,135, 260)
The Hardy 42 Hybrid is a $1,040,000 futuristic EV boat with a 440 Yamaha diesel generator and an electric engine, and genuinely offers the best of both worlds. It’s virtually silent and can reach up to 16 knots and cruising speeds of 8 to 12 knots in a 600-nautical mile range.
This 14-meter-long (46ft) boat has GRP hull class CE certification but can’t travel over 200 miles from the coastline. Its electric system is designed for inland use, and it can run for three to three and a half hours at an average speed of about 4 knots.
Interestingly, when its batteries have 20% of the remaining charge, it powers in the generator, which either charges the batteries, runs the engine directly, or does both simultaneously. However, when the boat stops, the generator power goes into the batteries and recharges the batteries to 100% in only forty-five minutes.
Additionally, it features two cabins, two baths, a quiet propulsion system, and emission-free running. Both its interior and exterior feature a sturdy and contemporary build quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has the longest range – 600 nm | It’s not fully electric; hence still, the engine is still audible |
| Charges in only 45 minutes on Direct Current (DC) | Diesel engine causes pollution |
| Hybrid, hence can run on either fuel or electric energy | |
| Recharges while running |
Best for Speed: The VITA Lion EV Boat ($892,500)
The Vita Lion EV boat is a premium and fully electronic boat powered by VITA Power’s new V4 electric propulsion system. It has a proprietary throttle and touchscreen tech that delivers a max speed of 35 knots, making it the fastest luxury EV boat. Its typical cruising speed is about 22 knots, but it can go for up to 10 hours at cruising speeds of 6-8 knots.
The VITA Lion is a 10.5-meter-long boat with an open layout, two aft sunbeds, and an open stern. It typically charges in one hour of direct charging. This gorgeous boat, both outside and inside, drew specialists from the automotive, finance, F1 engineering, and superyacht sectors to develop this luxurious product.
Its flexible interior can be changed from lounge mode to high-speed mode. Lounge mode is typically when seats are placed facing each other, whereas high-speed mode is usually when chairs are placed facing forward.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fastest EV boat | Design is not ideal for parties |
| Flexible interior | |
| Strong battery that can go up to 10 hours in cruise mode | |
| Stunning design |
Best Lightweight EV Boat: Hinckley Dasher ($500,000)
The Hinckley Dasher is a fantastic luxury EV yacht manufactured by one of the leading luxury, contemporary, and timeless yachts builder, Hinckley, in 2017. This model flies in waters but doesn’t neglect safety.
The Dasher is a zero-emissions boat with a bleeding-edge build and an unequaled operator interface. It features a hand-painted carbon-epoxy composite hull that’s very light in weight and streamlined for minimal drag and maximized efficiency.
The boat also boasts a silent whisper propulsion system driven by its dual BMW Li-ion batteries, providing ample time to bond with friends and family, even at speeds of up to 23.5 knots.
Its cruising speed is, on average, 7 knots and it can last up to 5 hours at this speed. Additionally, Dasher allows a dual 50 AMP charging cable connection system to charge your boat to a maximum of twice the standard rate (under four hours).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhanced safety features | Takes time to charge |
| Zero-emissions | |
| Lightweight hull for high speeds | |
| Dual charge system |
How to Pick the Best EV Boats
EV boats are becoming increasingly popular as people look at carbon footprints and embrace more sustainable modes of transportation. However, with many options available, picking the best EV boat for your needs can take time and effort. So, what factors should you consider when selecting an EV boat?
Range
An EV boat’s range is the distance it can travel on a single charge. The range will depend on the size of the battery and the efficiency of the boat’s motor. Consider how far you need to travel on a typical trip and choose a boat with a range that can meet your needs.
Speed
EV boats can have different maximum speeds depending on the motor and battery size. Think about the speed you need for your intended use. A lower speed may be sufficient if you want to use the boat for fishing or leisurely cruising. If you plan to use the boat for watersports or faster travel, look for a boat with a higher maximum speed.
Battery Capacity and Charging
The battery capacity determines how long the boat can run on a single charge. A larger battery capacity means longer run times, but it also means a heavier boat. Consider the boat’s weight and the battery’s size when choosing.
Charging Time
Charging time is the time it takes to recharge the battery. Boats may offer fast charging options, while others may take longer. Consider how often you plan to use the boat and how long you must recharge the battery between uses.
Size
EV boats come in various sizes, from small personal watercraft to larger vessels. Consider the number of people you plan to accommodate and the size of the waterways you plan to navigate when selecting a boat size.
Cost
EV boats are generally more expensive than conventional fuel-driven boats due to the advanced technology and batteries used. Consider your budget, and weigh the cost against the benefits of the EV boat.
Warranty
An EV boat is costly; hence, you should understand the terms and conditions that apply if your boat were to experience an issue.
Maintenance and Service
Like traditional boats, electric engine boats require maintenance, although less often than conventional ones. Consider the amount of upkeep needed, since each EV boat will have unique requirements, and the availability of support in your area when choosing a boat.
Finally, selecting the best EV boat requires careful consideration of range, speed, battery capacity, charging time, size, cost, and maintenance. You can find the perfect EV boat for your lifestyle and budget by evaluating your needs and comparing your options.
What to Know Before Buying the Most Expensive EV Boats
EV boats are not a new concept in the world of water bodies. They provide a greener and more economical way to propel water vessels. However, as inevitable as change is, there are particular challenges and facts that we need to be aware of to be ready for this gradually changing industry.
Types of EV Boats
Much like cars, there are various EV boats, including pure electric boats, hybrid boats that use both fuel and electric motors, and plug-in hybrid electric boats. Typically, vessels that utilize a hybrid EV engine setup recharge the battery as the boat runs.
Besides, car manufacturers are on the front line of EV boat development. Some brands use already-designed car batteries to get a head start in EV boat manufacturing.
Speed
How fast you can drive your EV boat depends on its type, shape, and motor power. A boat with a hull shaped in a streamlined manner is often more suitable for gliding.
However, higher speeds typically consume more electrical energy, reducing your boat’s range. Moreover, the larger the waterline length, the higher the expected hull speed of your EV boat.
Boating License
You can drive your boat without a boating license, but there is a limit because you ought to stick to a maximum of 15 HP, which is equal to about an 11kW energy output of a motor.
They Aren’t for Everyone
EV boats are still pricey and still in their early adopter stage. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of buying one at this stage, as well as why you want one. For some people, they are simply a luxurious status symbol, and they only buy them to fit in certain social circles, but not because they necessarily need one.
Top-of-the-line Amenities
EV boats feature luxurious elements and high-end technologies designed to enhance convenience and justify their hefty prices. Additionally, some buyers customize these boats to suit their liking and preferences for more enjoyable sailing.
Life On-Board
Buying an EV boat is not a buy-and-sail experience, as you will require expert guidance on various technical aspects and the how-tos of your boat. This may take some time to get used to, especially until you can customize your boat to suit your needs. Additionally, the performance range for EV boats, at 6-8 knots, can go up to 200 nautical miles, and 30-50 nautical miles at high speeds at full charge.
Using the Most Expensive EV Boats: What It’s Like
With EV boats, you should expect a lot more of them to come, as well as more advanced technologies, as the industry is still young. Here’s what you should know about the experience of cruising in a luxury EV boat.
These boats are easy to maintain and require minimal running costs. Moreover, they are usually silent and have no carbon emissions or environmental restrictions. In addition to being more powerful, they are generally lighter and more reliable.
Nonetheless, there are disadvantages to owning an EV boat. Most EV boat owners are usually more worried about the average time it takes to recharge the batteries and get back to cruising. And some often take a while; say, three to four hours.
Moreover, charging infrastructure still needs to improve, and it’s important to remember that there are no charging ports out in the water. Therefore, you’d have to charge while on a short snack break at the port and ensure the charge doesn’t leave you out far from the docks.
EV Boats in the News
With the cost of gas steadily on the rise and electronic battery vehicles becoming cheaper, more convenient, and easier to use, it’s no surprise that EV boats are making waves (both literally and figuratively.) In addition to the five EV boats showcased throughout this article, three new models have hit the water.
The first is the Navier 40 that has a 120 mile range and a battery pack that can reach a full charge in as little as two hours. Another EV boat is the Candela C-8 which can reach a top speed of 28 knots and contains two electric motors. Last, but certainly not least, is the Forza X1 with a range of up to 100 miles and has a price tag of around $150,000.
Looking Forward
As EV technology continues to prove, we’re certain we’ll only see more EV boats debut and become available for purchase. While prices vary, the Tesla Model Y Yacht is currently the most expensive EV boat on the market, coming in with a price tag of around $700 million.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©freevideophotoagency/Shutterstock.com.
