As EV motor and battery architecture continues to rapidly evolve, we’ve seen this technology applied to practically every type of motorized vehicles. And while this phenomenon has primarily been limited to on-land vehicles, an ex-Tesla executive has envisioned a high-tech day boat that’s powered by a Tesla-inspired dual-motor setup.
Dubbed the Blue Innovations Group R30, this fully-electric day boat spans 30’ in length and boasts room for up to a dozen passengers. The ship has a partially-enclosed cockpit caped off with a solar-lined roof panel that houses a pair of additional slide-out solar panels, tripling the solar array’s total surface area. Just behind the cockpit is a classic convertible dinette, while just ahead of it is a bow sunbathing deck. The aft end of the vessel also features a trio of walls that fold down flat, transforming the ship’s stern into a mini beach club. Moving below deck, the R30 features a plush cabin with a dinette with a wrap-around seating nook that can convert into a bed. Multiple displays are also present in the cabin, as is a surprisingly luxurious head.
While its sleek design is no-doubt noteworthy, what really makes the R30 special is the day boat’s powertrain — and the capabilities said powertrain allows for. Propelling the boat through the water are two separate 298-kW electric motors that collectively generate 596kW — or 800hp. This dual-motor configuration ultimately allows the R30 to achieve a top cruising speed of 39 knots — or 45mph. The two motors draw from a 221-kWh battery pack that gives the vessel up to eight hours of use on a single charge. Another major part of what makes the R30 so special is its simplicity, with the boat having been engineered specifically to be as accessible and approachable as possible — a choice done in an attempt to draw in non-boaters.
The Blue Innovations Group R30 electric day boat is available for preorder now, with deliveries scheduled to begin in Q2 of 2024. Expected to be priced at around $300,000, the R30’s reservation requires a deposit of just $5,000.
