Perth based Electro Nautic will showcase its two-seater electric hydrofoil during this weekend’s Fully Charged Live event in Sydney.
“We are thrilled to announce that the WaveFlyer Volaré will be showcased by our team at Fully Charged Live in Sydney this weekend. Don’t miss your chance to witness the future of electric watercraft!” said Joshua Portlock, CEO ElectroNautic
The hydrofoil, which extends down from the hull, enables the boat to glide above the water once it reaches speed. The company says the twin electric hydrofoil propulsion system and world’s first A-tail layout creates unmatched active stability and manoeuvrability.
The craft weighs 200kg and has a top speed of 40 km/h. The company says that cruising time is 4.5 hours and that – while foiling – the range is 100km.
CEO and cofounder of Electro Nautic Joshua Portlock says that the hydrofoil combined with electric propulsion and active stability control systems means that WaveFlyer uses 75% less power than conventional boat hulls. For electric boats, this 75% power saving equates to four times the range for an electric boat with the same battery capacity.
The craft can also go a lot faster than conventional boats because of the low drag, thanks to the hydrofoil.
The WaveFlyer has three modes: Cruise Mode, Performance Mode and Shallow-water Mode. WaveDrive’s software can switch from a stable cruise to dynamic performance. The company says performance mode is like piloting a fighter jet on the water. Shallow-water mode retracts the foils to navigate shallow water and beaches.
Portlock says that the company’s target market is the recreational industry and that the company had received dozens of expressions of interest from companies enquiring about rental fleets to be rented out at resorts around the world.
“At Electronautic, we are a small team of passionate individuals who have brought together world-leading technology to create the WaveFlyer Volaré. We are proud to showcase our Australian innovation to the world and demonstrate what can be achieved with determination, perseverance and a vision for a sustainable future” said Portlock.
“As we launch the WaveFlyer Volaré, our initial target market is rental fleets. We believe that our cutting-edge technology and sustainable approach will bring a new level of excitement and environmental responsibility to the watercraft rental industry. We are excited to see the WaveFlyer Volaré in action and to introduce a new era of electric watercraft” he said.
Electro Nautic will showcase the WaveFlyer at the world’s biggest electric vehicle show Fully Charged Live which is on in Sydney this weekend.
Daniel Bleakley is a clean technology researcher and advocate with a background in engineering and business. He has a strong interest in electric vehicles, renewable energy, manufacturing and public policy.