13 Sleek Electric Boats That Let You Cruise Emissions-Free in High Style

Electric-powered watercraft have quickly taken off, with many new models being released in just the past year. What was once a novelty is now a reality, with boaters coming to understand the value of a runabout with nearly zero emissions, minimal noise pollution, and in a few cases, foiling technology that offers an incredibly smooth (and attention-grabbing) ride.

Range anxiety still makes conventionally powered boats the overwhelming favorite for boaters. But as battery technology develops and fast-charging stations become more common at marinas, these eco-minded cruisers could close the gap. A number of mainstream powerboat builders are either building electric runabouts or have plans for models within a few years. As more EV car drivers pour into the boating market, those new boaters won’t be as confounded by—or resistant to—the new technology.

Here are 13 electric-powered boats that recently caught our eye, as we watch boaters do their part to conserve the natural environment that so many are passionate about.

Icon by Tyde and BMW

A recent Robb Report sea trial of this joint project between Tyde and BMW at Cannes, France, revealed a boat with thrill-inducing handling and wild-enough aesthetics to be the center of attention, even among the hordes of superyachts that were in town for the Cannes Film Festival. BMW was mostly involved with this boat at a conceptual level, but they did bring to the table Hans Zimmer, a movie composer who created unique scores for the vessel as it lifts up out of the water onto its foils and as it splashes back down during deceleration. Range is 50 nautical miles at 28 mph, with a top end of 35 mph. This model was conceived as a tender or a small, luxury ferry for island hopping, but future dayboat models are on the drawing board.

Cosmopolitan 66 Catamaran

One of the larger electrically powered boat offerings on the water, the Cosmopolitan 66 Catamaran has a 35-foot beam, along with the stability of a cat, combined with electric engines, solar power, and foiling technology. This ambitious project was drawn up by Mallorcan naval architect Ivan Salas Jefferson of Iddes Yachts. Two power options are available: the first with twin 180 kW motors and a 300 kWh battery bank, and the second with twin 380 kW engines and a 300 kWh battery bank. Solar paneling on the roof offers an additional 18kWp.

Candela C8 Center Console

The only real production builder in the electric boat mix is Sweden’s Candela, which brings to market an interesting blend of styles with its new C-8 CC. The boat is one of the world’s few— specifically, two—foiling center consoles. The ever-functional, above-the-waterline design allows this relatively small boat to carry eight people. The foils ensure that the ride is all but bump-free even at a respectable top end of 27 knots. A convertible dining table in the cockpit that can fold down to become a sunpad is a functional choice that increases this model’s day-boat bona fides. Pricing for the C-8 is about $450,000.

Persico Zagato 100.2

This 100.2 is the result of a partnership between Persico Marine and Zagato Atelier. The aim was to create one of the world’s most stylish, electric-powered “hyperboats,” per the builder. The 100.2 has DeepSpeed electric jet propulsion from the Italian startup Sealence. At 26 feet long, the 100.2 was designed for lakes as well as coastal cruising. It is reported to have a cruise speed of 31 mph and a top end of 50 mph. Termed a “Limited Launch Edition,” only nine of these vessels will be built.

ARC One Electric Speedboat

The Los Angeles builder bills its Arc One Electric Speedboat as “the most powerful electric watercraft commercially available.” To wit, it’s got a 372 kW engine with equal output to a 500 hp internal-combustion engine. Not surprisingly then, the 24-foot, aluminum boat puts up some impressive speed numbers, touching the magic 40 mph mark. A 220 kWh battery is designed to provide three-to-five hours of run time. A 240V outlet can fully recharge it overnight. This sporty, American-built vessel is priced at $300,000.

SAY 29 E

The German builder SAY has deep roots in the world of motorcycle racing, and as such, it is one of the leaders in carbon-fiber technology in the dayboat space. The 29 E is a true featherweight, displacing just a bit more than two tons. With a 46 mph top end, this 29-footer, boasting razor-sharp lines, is a proper sportboat. The seating has race car–type suspension to match, helping ensure a smooth ride. The $450,000 29 also has a 22 kW onboard charger, which means the battery can fully recharge in a mere six hours.

Mayla FortyFour

Most people think of ear-piercing, gas-guzzling speedboats as the antithesis of the green movement, but the Mayla FortyFour is here to change that. The headline for this boat is that she does a blistering 80 mph. That’s due to a combination of a Petestep deep-vee hull, twin 800 kW dual-core electric motors, and a 500 kW lithium battery (a hybrid propulsion version of this boat is also available). The FortyFour takes her styling cues from the famed Miami Vice-era muscle boats of the 1980s, which fits in with the exceptional speed it can generate.

X Shore Eelex 8000

The Swedish builder X Shore was one of the first electric-boat builders to make a concerted push into the American market. The 26-foot 8000 has a range of 100 nautical miles at seven knots, but can also travel for two hours at 28 mph, and reach a top hop of 40—all with acceleration reminiscent of a carbon-fueled boat. Electric power isn’t the only green-minded feature on this vessel though, the boat uses cork in place of teak on its soles and gunnels. The material is sustainable, doesn’t get hot, and is easy to clean. Base price is $275,000, and nicely equipped, $325,000.

Hermes Speedster E

It’s hard to top the $269,000 Hermes Speedster E from Seven Seas Yachts for looks. The little runabout takes direct design inspiration with the “bathtub” design from the iconic Porsche 356 and also has automotive touches like analog gauges and even a rearview mirror. While a gas-powered version of this boat exists, the more ecologically friendly version is the E, which promises zero emissions thanks to a 100 kW motor powered by a 30 kWh battery pack. Top speed is reported to be 36 mph, which is fitting for a boat named after the fleet-footed Greek god Hermes.

Boesch 750 Portofino

This elegant runabout, with its classic lines, calls to mind the classic mahogany speedboats of the 1960s. Even the name represents a bygone era of La Dolce Vita. But the technology is anything but throwback. The 750 Portofino has twin 50 kW three-phase synchronous Piktronik motors and rechargeable lithium batteries. Top speed is 25 mph, which is not dramatic. But this is a boat you buy to be seen in, thanks to its timeless lines, elegant brightwork, and plush interior. The level of fit and finish is exceptional. Wraparound seating aft of the helm and a sunpad for two mean the 750 Portofino is an excellent choice for entertaining. The boat is priced just shy of $200,000.

Alva Yachts’ Ocean ECO 90 H2

Alva Yachts’s electrified solar catamaran, the Ocean Eco 90 H2, gifts sustainably-minded sailors with self-sufficient, long-range cruising capabilities. According to the shipyard, it’s the world’s first fuel-less 90-foot cat with Oceanwings and solar-roof glass tiles. It is the largest model yet in the Ocean ECO series. Penned by German studio Henn Design and set to launch in late 2024, the solar-assisted electric long-range cruiser is available with hydrogen fuel-cell technology and hydrogen storage tanks. Powered by 240 kWh to 360 kWh batteries, it has a top speed of 16 knots.

Electric Eleganza 38

The Electric Eleganza 38 is a contemporary take on a classic favorite. Representing next generation yachting, the 41-foot electric day cruiser is built with a carbon-fiber hull and lightweight lithium-Ion technology. The EE38 comes equipped with two engine modes—“silence” for low-speed cruising and “performance” for speeds of up to 40 knots (also in near silence). The boat is available in a choice of six colors, with a mix of traditional, analog-style gauges and high-tech touchscreen panels. “The cockpit experience was envisioned to be inviting, easy to operate,” said creative director Roger Ericson in a statement.

Candela C-8 Polestar

Another variant of the Candela C-8, the Polestar Special Edition combines Swedish electric car design with hydrofoiling technology, bringing luxury EVs to the high seas. The 28-foot electric foiling boat is equipped with the same 69 kWh battery as the Polestar 2 and has a 75 kW electric drive pod—the Candela C-POD—to fly above the water at high speeds, reducing energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared to traditional motorboats. The bespoke design cues include a solid light-gray color, custom-designed upholstery and hydrofoils painted in Swedish gold.