Electric Boats Rise Above Water on Underwater Wings
Friday, October 30, 2026163 words3 minutes200 reads
A white electric boat rose above the water during a demonstration in New York Harbor. Built by New Zealand company Vessev, it used underwater wings called hydrofoils to lift its body about 45 centimetres above the surface.
As water flows around the wings, it creates an upward force. The wings stay underwater while most of the boat rises. Less contact with the water means less drag, the resistance that slows a boat down. Vessev says its design cuts drag by about 66%. This is a company estimate, not a result for every hydrofoil boat.
Using less energy could help electric boats travel farther without bigger batteries. Passenger services already operate in Auckland and Stockholm. Such boats may offer quieter, smoother journeys across city waters.
However, operators need charging places and suitable routes. Battery costs and time between trips also matter. Electric motors produce no exhaust, but the wider pollution benefit depends on how the electricity is made. Some electric ferries operate without hydrofoils.
