Marine

Electric hydrofoil finally ready to skim the waves

Electric hydrofoil finally ready to skim the waves
A limited run of the Quadrofoil Q2 will be available from March 2017
A limited run of the Quadrofoil Q2 will be available from March 2017
View 12 Images
A limited run of the Quadrofoil Q2 will be available from March 2017
1/12
A limited run of the Quadrofoil Q2 will be available from March 2017
The Quadrofoil Q2 has a top speed of 40 km/h
2/12
The Quadrofoil Q2 has a top speed of 40 km/h
The Quadrofoil Q2 sits on four c-shaped hydrofoil legs
3/12
The Quadrofoil Q2 sits on four c-shaped hydrofoil legs
The Quadrofoil Q2 can be used at high or low speeds
4/12
The Quadrofoil Q2 can be used at high or low speeds
The hydrofoil legs of the Quadrofoil Q2 reduce the area of the craft that is in contact with the water compared to a standard hull
5/12
The hydrofoil legs of the Quadrofoil Q2 reduce the area of the craft that is in contact with the water compared to a standard hull
The Quadrofoil Q2 is propelled by a 3.7-kW or 5.5-kW electric outboard motor
6/12
The Quadrofoil Q2 is propelled by a 3.7-kW or 5.5-kW electric outboard motor
The entry level Quadrofoil Q2 is called the Q2A, while the higher specced version is called the Q2S
7/12
The entry level Quadrofoil Q2 is called the Q2A, while the higher specced version is called the Q2S
The aluminum alloy used for the hydrofoil legs of the Quadrofoil Q2 is light, strong and resistant to corrosion
8/12
The aluminum alloy used for the hydrofoil legs of the Quadrofoil Q2 is light, strong and resistant to corrosion
At low speeds, the hydrofoil legs of the Quadrofoil Q2 will sink into the water
9/12
At low speeds, the hydrofoil legs of the Quadrofoil Q2 will sink into the water
Quadrofoil says the Q2 has "a high‐end ergonomic cockpit"
10/12
Quadrofoil says the Q2 has "a high‐end ergonomic cockpit"
Seating in the Quadrofoil Q2 is designed for comfort and visibility
11/12
Seating in the Quadrofoil Q2 is designed for comfort and visibility
The Quadrofoil Q2 has a Formula One-inspired steering wheel with a color touchscreen display
12/12
The Quadrofoil Q2 has a Formula One-inspired steering wheel with a color touchscreen display
View gallery - 12 images

Straddling the line between inspired and insane, the Quadrofoil Q2 is a two-seater, four-legged hydrofoil watercraft that has a top speed of 40 km/h (25 mph). Four years in the making and expected to ship early last year, the watercraft is finally reported ready for production.

Quadrofoil likens the Q2 to having the agility of a go-kart, with a steering radius of 7 m (23 ft). The firm says it's possible to make sharp turns at high speeds and that the Q2 will hold its line without drifting off course. It is propelled by an electric outboard motor that kicks out 3.7 kW or 5.5 kW depending on the model.

Seating in the Quadrofoil Q2 is designed for comfort and visibility
Seating in the Quadrofoil Q2 is designed for comfort and visibility

The motor gets its juice from 5.2-kWh lithium-ion battery packs, the number of which vary depending of the model. Charging is reported to take three to four hours and provide 80 km (50 mi) of range, with a battery management system that continuously monitors their usage and uses algorithms to optimize power delivery. The lack of emissions means that the Q2 can be used in places that gas-powered watercraft are not allowed.

The craft's hull, formed of composite materials, is said by Quadrofoil to be "almost unsinkable," by virtue of an airtight upper section. The firm says it was inspired by trimaran speed boats, air fighters and race cars and designed the craft to be stable, to have good hydrodynamic and aerodynamic performance and to help with handling.

The c-shaped hydrofoil legs are made of aluminum alloy so as to be light, strong and resistant to corrosion, and retract at the touch of a button for negotiating shallow water.

Inside, Quadrofoil promises "a high-end ergonomic cockpit," with all basic functions easily in reach and a Formula One-inspired steering wheel that has a color touchscreen display. Seating is designed for comfort and visibility, with the passenger seat positioned behind the pilot's.

The entry level Quadrofoil Q2 is called the Q2A, while the higher specced version is called the Q2S
The entry level Quadrofoil Q2 is called the Q2A, while the higher specced version is called the Q2S

The entry level Q2, the Q2A, features the 3.7-kW electric motor and a single 5.2 kWh battery pack. It is 3,532-mm (139-in) long, 2,593-mm (102-in) wide and 2,085-mm (82-in) tall, with a weight of 295 kg (650 lb). The higher-specced Q2S is the same size but weighs 335 kg (739 lb). It also offers more power and a longer range, with the 5.5-kW motor and two 5.2 kWh battery packs.

The delay in bringing the Q2 to production is said to have been due to Quadrofoil's engineers testing, reviewing, upgrading and fine-tuning the original prototype. Now, however, the company says it is ready for production and that deliveries of a Q2S limited edition version will begin in March 2017. Prices begin at €19,950 (US$20,800). The Q2A will follow in early 2018.

The video below shows the Quadrofoil Q2S Electric in action.

New Video: the flying Quadrofoil Q2S Electric Limited Edition in action

Source: Quadrofoil

View gallery - 12 images
6 comments
6 comments
Gizmowiz
Ouch on the price. Double ouch.
Bob Flint
What is the draft? Do you need to use a dock, don't think riding up to the shore is an option?
habakak
A bit of an impractical layout. It's not for socializing at all. Also, the nose could be made a bit more aerodynamic. Being electrical with 80km range is FANTASTIC though. All personal and recreational watercraft should be using hydrofoils. So much more efficient and comfortable.
S Michael
Don't see a fishing poll. Don't see how you can dive off it, and it can't beat a powerboat or skidoo, can it pull a skier? Or is it just to drive around and look cool. Not worth the money.
WillyAenlle
Geee - what a poser's craft! talk about not being in touch with the market place! Goes from point A to B in style, just ensure it is from dock to dock and nothing in between!
equator180
Over priced, under powered. In the video the speed was what half the top speed? What about a few MPH breeze, how does it perform? You will need an electrical outlet on the dock you are tied to for sure very vague on ability of the craft and very expensive for a two person low speed cursing only platform...