Marine

Nikola unveils its WAV electric personal watercraft

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Plans call for the WAV to be released next year
Nikola Motor Company
The WAV's electric motor produces instant torque, and all of the electronics are protected by an IP68-rated waterproofing system
Nikola Motor Company
The WAV features LED head- and tail lights
Nikola Motor Company
Pricing for the WAV has yet to be announced
Nikola Motor Company
Plans call for the WAV to be released next year
Nikola Motor Company
WAV is an acronym for Water Adventure Vehicle
Nikola Motor Company
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The Nikola Motor Company has previously brought us battery-electric cargo trucks and off-road vehicles. This month, the Arizona-based startup announced that another e-vehicle will be joining its lineup – the WAV personal watercraft.

Its name an acronym for Water Adventure Vehicle, the WAV is reportedly slated for a 2020 launch. Although little has been released in the way of specs, they may end up being similar to those of the Gratis X1 – it's an electric stand-up personal watercraft designed by Free Form Factory, which was recently acquired by Nikola.

What we do know about the WAV is that it features a "wakeboard architecture" that results in sport bike-style ergonomics. Its electric motor produces instant torque, and all of the electronics are protected by an IP68-rated waterproofing system – that means they can withstand being submerged to a depth of 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) for half an hour.

The WAV's electric motor produces instant torque, and all of the electronics are protected by an IP68-rated waterproofing system
Nikola Motor Company

Other features include a console-mounted infotainment system, a tunnel-shaped bow-to-stern storage compartment, and LED head- and tail lights.

A Nikola rep tells us that pricing has yet to be announced. Potential buyers, however, can reserve a WAV of their own via the source link at the end of this article.

When it does hit the market, the WAV will be facing some competition in the form of the Narke Electrojet, or perhaps even the Quadrofoil. In the meantime, you can see the WAV (albeit not doing much) in the following video.

Source: Nikola Motor Company

View gallery - 5 images
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6 comments
Mr T
Sorry, just more vapourware from Nikola to try and get more investment funding. They's been talking it up big for years now and haven't produced anything of note except a prototype truck - that's not much for the hundreds of millions invested.
craig_a
That's a pretty disappointing promo video. It's not even floating free, let alone moving under power. They did get the accent lights working though. I'd love to see a product like this come to market, but doubt Nikola will be the one.
Rotogizmag
Agree. They have nothing. Even if electric watercraft come to fruition, I'm curious what happens if even a small amount of water contacts the high voltage batteries with a route to ground. Especially in salt water. I don't want to be the first to find out!
nick101
I agree with the previous comments, Nikola doesn't appear to be a 'going concern' but having almost bought an old Sea-doo with a seized motor for $100 and seeing what off-the-shelf components one can get, I think it's safe to assume that a reasonably handy person could make their own.
apprenticeearthwiz
The Nikola Motor Company has not previously brought us battery-electric cargo trucks and off-road vehicles. They've brought us concepts and here's another one.
ljaques
Every item on the Nikola website is "Reserve yours now $0", so it appears that Mr. T is right. Vaporware.