Marine

Lux electric RV cat hits the water on way to sea-glamping adventure

Lux electric RV cat hits the water on way to sea-glamping adventure
The Pol Lux gets out on the water and shows what it can do
The Pol Lux gets out on the water and shows what it can do
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Pol working on its hull ahead of the Lux premiere
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Pol working on its hull ahead of the Lux premiere
The catamaran hulls are ready for the superstructure
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The catamaran hulls are ready for the superstructure
The hammock lounger is one of the Pol Lux features that distinguishes it as a fun, relaxing day boat and camper
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The hammock lounger is one of the Pol Lux features that distinguishes it as a fun, relaxing day boat and camper
The Lux has an 18-kWh battery powering two electric motors
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The Lux has an 18-kWh battery powering two electric motors
In addition to appearing at multiple events, Pol is offering Lux test rides to interested parties
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In addition to appearing at multiple events, Pol is offering Lux test rides to interested parties
The Pol Lux gets out on the water and shows what it can do
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The Pol Lux gets out on the water and shows what it can do
A different kind of base camp ...
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A different kind of base camp ...
Use the Pol Lux to explore quiet coastlines and islands
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Use the Pol Lux to explore quiet coastlines and islands
Finishing the Lux up and getting ready to show the world
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Finishing the Lux up and getting ready to show the world
Pol will offer the Lux as both a day boat and a tent camper
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Pol will offer the Lux as both a day boat and a tent camper
View gallery - 10 images

When we looked at the Swedish-designed Pol Lux earlier this year, it was still in the rendering stages. We weren't sure the unconventional vessel would even make it further than that, but half a year later, it's out touring and testing on the water. The unique RV features a stable catamaran platform, an electric powertrain charged via solar panels, a deployable tent, a modular deck layout and even an over-water hammock lounge. It's a new way to enjoy the water all day and night.

After crafting the hull and putting the superstructure together over the summer, Pol held an official Lux world premiere at in Stockholm last month. It says the boat generated plenty of interest at the show and went on to serve as a support vessel for the ÖTILLÖ swim/run championship. It made its most recent appearance at the Hamnen Electric Boat Show last weekend in Stockholm.

Pol was still waiting on the completion of the tent fabric as of the Lux's debut, so the boat has yet to show off its on-water camping capabilities in front of the camera. However, the company has tapped into the 18-kWh onboard battery to heat up a kettle, something you might call all-electric aquatic day camping. The boat's front-mounted hammock lounge has also officially opened for business.

The hammock lounger is one of the Pol Lux features that distinguishes it as a fun, relaxing day boat and camper
The hammock lounger is one of the Pol Lux features that distinguishes it as a fun, relaxing day boat and camper

The Lux deck is set up more like a camper than a typical catamaran, relying on a modular sofa layout to convert over into a bed at night. The tent fabric secures around the boat's roof frame, creating a weatherproof barrier to protect slumberers from the elements. We're sure Lux captains won't want to make camp during raging storms destined to be recounted for decades by grizzled, leather-faced seamen, but the tent should be ample for the basic nighttime breezes and rain bursts.

Additional overnight guests can make use of the available hammock, which mounts to the vessel's frame over top the helm station. However, even if someone sleeps sitting up on the outdoor bow hammock (we wouldn't recommend it), the Lux looks way too cozy to accommodate anywhere near its full 13-person capacity overnight — owners will likely want to stick with daytime outings for hosting a full dozen friends.

Pol says the Lux can hit speeds up to 11 knots (20 km/h). Easing back to a 7-knot (13-km/h) cruising speed opens up a maximum range of 60 nautical miles (111 km/h). Sun sailing mode allows the vessel to edge forward at 4 knots (7 km/h) solely off of power harvested from the roof-mounted solar panels.

The Lux has an 18-kWh battery powering two electric motors
The Lux has an 18-kWh battery powering two electric motors

Pol is preparing the Lux for market launch and plans to offer it at a base price of €99,000 (approx. US$98,650) before VAT. Since an all-electric catamaran day boat is an attractive product on its own, the base price will not include the tent fabric. Pol plans to finalize pricing for that option in the coming weeks. It's also currently offering Stockholm-based test rides for interested buyers.

Source: Pol

View gallery - 10 images
8 comments
8 comments
Demosthenes
The hammock lounger is a joke. Too short to lie comfortably in and black to burn your butt in the summer. A hard deck at the front would also be better to make it safer to go ashore (see picture 8). The boat designers should think of something better here.
Ron
$98,000, Wow what a deal, how about I buy a used SeaRay 36 Cruiser for $65,000 and then have $33,000 dollars left for gas, and I would have a real bathroom, bedroom and galley, not to mention air conditioning!
Uncle Anonymous
I love the design and layout of this boat and, I'd love to get one of these as a bare-bones package without the battery pack, solar panels & electric propulsion. That would make the price a lot more reasonable. With a 40HP Yamaha on the back, one of these would be perfect.
guzmanchinky
Want my money? Make a 4x4 camper Van that floats.
SteveMc
@ guzmanchinky - Ah yes, I see where you’re coming from. 4x4 is especially good for those higher waves, right? Fishscale tread on those tyres too! Oh, amphibious… :P
TpPa
Yes plain and simple, to be nice I shall say it is not pleasing to the eye.
reader
Looks like they borrowed some design inspiration from the Harryproa T60 tender. See http://harryproa.com/?p=1763
BlueOak
Photoshopped into the water, a nice boat, does not necessarily make it. Show us it actually in the water and at speed. But at $100K, a toy for the wealthy, given what that money can otherwise buy.