Marine

World’s first electric hybrid sports boat

World’s first electric hybrid sports boat
EPIC 23E electric hybrid sports boat
EPIC 23E electric hybrid sports boat
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EPIC 23E electric hybrid sports boat
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EPIC 23E electric hybrid sports boat
EPIC 23E
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EPIC 23E

February 26, 2009 The low-emissions, fuel-saving benefits of hybrid technology aren't limited to the freeway and systems incorporating electric propulsion are popping up in all areas of transport. On the water we've seen hybrid tugboats and solar hybrid motor-yachts, but this is the first time we've seen hybrid technology in a speedboat. Billed as a world's first electric hybrid sport boat, EPIC Wakeboats EPIC 23E relies entirely on a silent, emissions-free electric motor for propulsion and uses half the fuel and produces half the emissions of its combustion-powered equivalent.

Due for release in Spring 2009, details are still scarce on the 23E - it uses a Flux Propulsion EVO 8.1 Marine Drive System which "features an extremely powerful and compact drive motor that draws from cutting-edge battery technology". Recharge takes one about hour and the boat incorporates a touch-screen interface for control of stereo and video entertainment along with the GPS Speed Control.

“The EPIC 23E will change the way people think about water-sports," said EPIC Wakeboats CEO Chris Anthony. "Not only is the design more environment-friendly, but it is a more affordable option for boating enthusiasts at a time when everyone is watching their budgets.”

OK, we're interested! Stay tuned for more details.

Via EPIC Boats.

EPIC 23e Video 1

4 comments
4 comments
Burnerjack
release in 2009? Huh?
MQ
Come-on... Are they going to call series diesel electric trains hybrid soon....
Hey our local fright trains have been hybrid for years.... (just stick in a giant LiPo pack and they will run silently (for about 10 seconds until the LiPos explode))
The only thing revolutionary about most hybrids on the market is the marketing...
I support flexible power delivery, but don\'t try to make an environmental statement.
(In cars etc, hybrid really only should be used for parallel systems, the others are just electric, with a generator stuck in)
If they are cheaper to own and operate that\'s what people want to hear...
The last think we think about when wakeboarding is the environment, having too much fun doesn\'t give much time to think... (The wallet is a thought at the fuel pump though)
Luddite
This was originally posted in 2009. But taking a look at their website, they never built this system to power their boat.
JDS
No way to charge the batteries necessary to propel a 23 foot boat in one hour. What a pipe dream. I see it's 4 years overdue and still not out.