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Electric boating is nothing new, but for a long time it has been outside the limits of most recreational boaters’ wallets. That’s not true anymore, though, as several new low-cost electric boats are starting to enter the US market. Here’s a collection of some of the most interesting and affordable electric boats for the average Joe.

Keep in mind that lower-cost electric boats usually mean lower power and shorter range.

You’re not going to get high power and elegantly designed electric boats such as those from companies like Candela and X Shore for just a couple month’s salary. Those luxury electric boats can reach well into the six figures, and their high-end design helps explain the high sticker price.

But for the rest of us, these more everyday electric boats can help scratch the itch for an affordable, quiet, and relaxing lake cruiser.

Veer V13

Veer is a recently launched low-cost boat company, with the Veer V13 serving as its debut model.

Veer’s parent company is Brunswick, which also owns Mercury Marine, a popular outboard engine maker. So it should come as no surprise that Veer’s boats are powered by Mercury drivetrains. While the base model has a combustion outboard, the electric version uses the newly-released Avator 7.5e electric outboard.

veer x13 electric boat

The 13-foot (4-meter) two-seater boat is manufactured from rotomolded polyethylene. That’s the same way kayaks are made, and is a cost-effective method to produce large and hollow plastic parts such as boat hulls. If you’ve ever wondered why a canoe costs three to four times the price of a kayak on average, there you go.

That rotomolding production helps the Veer V13 achieve a much lower sticker price than fiberglass or aluminum electric boats.

The base model comes with an entry-level price of US $11,995, including a trailer, though the electric version adds a US $2,100 premium to the total.

Since the Veer V13 is being marketed to new and first-time boat owners, it comes in a bundle with a galvanized trailer, making it easy to start boating right away.

veer x13 boat

TwinTroller eVenture bundle

TwinTroller is another manufacturer that offers small format boats, though this time with an interesting hull design. A pair of sponsons feature recessed electric motors that give the boat more maneuverability, as well as foot controls to allow the operator to keep his or her hands free. That’s perfect for a small fishing boat.

The hollow cavity under the sponsons floods with water surrounding the two electric motors, creating a form of suction that makes the boat even more stable. Two men can stand on the same gunnel together without the boat tipping over.

The base model of the TwinTroller X10 is priced at US $4,795, while a deluxe version costs US $5,495.

The TwinTroller eVenture bundle adds a more powerful rear electric motor for extra speed or longer run time. That bundle includes the company’s US $4,795 X10 boat as well as a US$2,599 ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus electric outboard motor outfitted with an extra short shaft to fit the X10.

It also includes the Spirit Battery Plus to power the outboard and a US $1,399 trailer, bringing the total price to US $8,293 (including a US $500 discount for buying it all together as a bundle).

Go-Float Vortex

The Go-Float Vortex is a bit more of a recreational, afternoon-on-the-lake kind of boat. Think more along the lines of something you’d rent for a couple hours on vacation, not something you’d take out fishing with your buddies.

But at US $6,995, that low-tech design helps keep it mighty affordable.

The Vortex is powered by a single 12V DC electric motor and enjoys a top speed of 4 mph (6.4 km/h or 3.5 knots). Accessories include deck color choices, rod holders (I guess you can go fishing in it!), a water proof stereo, bimini top, and more.

It might not be the fastest electric boat in the pond, but it sure does look relaxing.

GoBoat 2.0

Like the Go-Float Vortex above, the GoBoat is on the minimal end of what could be considered an electric boat. But since it pushes even further out into the no-man’s land of electric boat minimalism, it also pushes the price further down too.

At just under $1,000 for the recently released GoBoat 2.0 (or closer to $700 for the kid’s size version), this is one of the cheapest electric boats on the market.

The inflatable e-boat is light enough to carry by hand when deflated, yet still packs a (small) punch with its 35 lb thrust 12V trolling motor designed by GoBoat. The company claims that it is the “lightest and most compact 35 lb thrust motor on the market.”

The motor comes with five speeds in the forward direction and two reverse speeds, though the top speed of 5 mph (8 km/h or 4.3 knots) isn’t going to win any water races.

Quietude 156

The Quietude 156 goes a different direction than the more affordable electric boats on this list, but that also makes it a bit more expensive too, at US $35,495.

The four-passenger fiberglass boat is 15.5 feet long (4.7 meters) and comes in a variety of color options for the hull. The boat features a 5 hp outboard motor that can hit a top speed of 6 mph (10 km/h or 5 knots), but cruises at 5 mph (8 km/h or 4.3 knots) for 20 miles (32 km or 17.2 nm).

Owners can customize the color of the deck, interior, and canopy materials to match their preferences.

Budsin 15′ Lightning Bug

According to the manufacturer, “the 15 foot Lightning Bug has been considered the jewel of electric boats ever since we started making them in 1987.”

The cockpit, which seats four adults, includes a single lever for controlling both the speed and the direction of the boat, making operation extremely easy.

At around US $27,000, the 15′ Lightning Bug features wooden decking and interiors. The hull is constructed using three layers of molded cedar and mahogany bonded with epoxy, and includes a mahogany transom.

It’s certainly an elegant looking boat, but it costs a bit more than some of the budget-level offerings on this list.

BOTE + Bixpy

If you don’t mind getting just slightly DIY, BOTE and Bixpy have teamed up to offer an interesting solution to combine their products into an electric boat.

BOTE is well known for its inflatable watercraft, from dock platforms to skiffs, kayaks, and SUPs. Bixpy, on the other hand, creates electric motors and waterproof batteries for electric kayaks, surfboards and other light watercraft. You can probably see where this is going.

The two partnered to create a kit that uses Bixpy’s gear to turn BOTE’s inflatable kayaks into electric boats. The kit makes use of the port on BOTE’s boats that is designed for a pedal drive. But instead of dropping a pedal-powered system into that scupper hole, Bixpy’s adapter drops in to support an electric motor.

The entire setup costs just north of $4,000 and creates an electric boat that can fit into a backpack.

Electracraft 15LS

The Electracraft 15LS is a six-seater fiberglass boat with a molded interior, making it the highest capacity electric boat on this list so far. Though at US $42,000, it’s also the most expensive. If you want to take five friends out with you, though, this is the electric boat to do it in.

The boat comes with upholstered interior, fiberglass dining table with cupholders, and a center helm.

It runs on a 48V system using a set of four 12V marine batteries. The boat also includes an automatic bilge pump, though many of the other nicer accessories are more expensive add-ons.

AQUOS Backpack Series

If you really want to keep things affordable, the cheapest option on this list so far is the AQUOS 7.5-ft Backpack Series inflatable electric boat.

The inflatable pontoons help this boat go from in a bag to on the water in just a few minutes.

There’s only seating for one, but you probably weren’t expecting too much out of this vessel.

It may be spartan, but it does include a fairly nice looking swivel seat and a small 20 lb thrust trolling motor! Not bad for just $795!

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Tesla launches new Model Y in North America and Europe

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Tesla launches new Model Y in North America and Europe

Tesla has officially launched the new Model Y in North America and Europe after launching it in China earlier this month.

The difference is that Tesla is now taking orders for both the older and newer versions of its best-selling electric SUV.

That’s a unique launch for Tesla. I don’t remember the automaker doing that before.

After launching the new Model Y design refresh in China two weeks ago, Tesla is now starting to take orders for the refresh in North America and Europe.

But it looks like the design refresh is still a transitional in Tesla’s production as the automaker is still taking orders for the previous version:

For the launch in North America and Europe, Tesla has only added a new “trim” on the Model Y online configurator for a ‘Launch Series New Model Y’, which is the version unveiled in China earlier this month.

But in China, only this new version has been available for sale since the last two weeks.

Tesla estimates that the new version will have 320 miles of EPA range. Compared to 311 miles for the previous Model Y Long Range AWD, the only version of the new Model Y Launch Series available.

Here are all the other changes with the new Model Y compared to the previous version:

Feature Model Y New Model Y
Starting Price After Est. Savings $31,490 Available Now $46,490 Available Starting March
Trims Long Range RWD Long Range AWD Performance AWD Launch Series Long Range AWD
Range 277-337 miles (EPA est.) 303-320 miles (est.)
Seating First row: power recline and heated Second row: manual fold and heated First row: power recline, heated and ventilated Second row: power two-way folding and heated
Displays 15.4″ front-row touchscreen 15.4″ front-row touchscreen 8″ second-row touchscreen
Ride Comfort First-generation suspension First-generation noise reduction hardware Second-generation suspension Second-generation noise reduction hardware
Cameras 7 exterior cameras 8 exterior cameras (includes a new front-facing camera)
Audio Long Range RWD: 7 speakers Long Range AWD: 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer Performance AWD: 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer Launch Series Long Range AWD: 15 speakers, 1 subwoofer
Connectivity First-generation hardware Second-generation hardware
Trunk Power open Hands-free power open on approach
Interior Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting Wooden detailing with black interior Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting Wrap-around ambient lighting Aluminum detailing and premium textiles
Climate Tinted and laminated safety glass Power-actuated first-row air vents Manual second-row air vents Tinted and laminated safety glass with metallic infrared reflective coating Power-actuated first- and second-row air vents

For the Launch Series, Tesla is pricing the new Model Y Long Range AWD at $59,999 USD. That’s $12,000 more than the previous Model Y Long Range AWD, which is still available to order.

Specifically for the Launch Series, buyers get a bunch of special badging around the car:

But they also get things called “Premium Textil Trim” and “Vegan Suede for Black Interior”:

Currently, Tesla is only offering the new Model Y in Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver, but they are all included in the Launch Series price.

The Glacier Blue that is offered in China is currently not offered in North America or Europe.

Tesla is talking about the first deliveries of this new version of the Model Y coming in March in North America.

Electrek’s Take

This came sooner than expected, as most expected the launch to be closer to March based on how Tesla launched the Model 3 refresh last year.

But this is also different since Tesla continues to take orders for the previous version.

Tesla was likely worried about the Osborne effect and this strategy of starting with this more expensive version of the Model Y, the Launch Series, is going to help sales of the much cheaper previous version.

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Rivian (RIVN) plans to roll out hands-free driving this year, eyes-free system in 2026

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Rivian (RIVN) plans to roll out hands-free driving this year, eyes-free system in 2026

Rivian (RIVN) plans to launch a new Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) this year to enable hands-free driving. The new feature is expected to be similar to Tesla’s Full-Self Driving (FSD). In 2026, Rivian will up the ante with an “eyes-free” system.

Rivian plans hands-free driving in 2025, eyes-free in 2026

At the new Rivian Space opening in San Francisco on Thursday, CEO RJ Scaringe revealed a few exciting developments to look forward to.

According to the folks at RivianForums, Scaringe said during the event that the company plans to launch a hands-free ADAS feature in 2025. Next year, Rivian will follow it up with an “eyes-free” system.

The big question is, will current Rivian R1S and R1T owners gain access? It could depend on whether you drive a Gen 1 or Gen 2 model. All Rivian models built through 2024 are considered Gen 1, while models 2025 and newer are Gen 2.

Rivian introduced the second-generation R1S and R1T last summer. They were “completely reengineered” with hundreds of hardware improvements, fully redesigned software, and more.

The upgrades include its new in-house autonomy system, Rivian Autonomy Platform. It’s powered by 11 cameras, five radars, and predictive AI.

Rivian-hands-free-driving
Rivian R1T (left) and R1S (right) electric vehicles (Source: Rivian)

Rivian said the new platform is “10 times more powerful” than the old system. It also features 360-degree visibility with 8X the number of camera pixels than the previous models. Gen 2 models already include features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Highway Assist.

With the premium version, drivers gain access to Lane Change, while Rivian said Enhanced Highway Assist and other features were coming soon.

Rivian-hands-free-driving
Rivian R2 electric SUV (Source: Rivian)

Although all Rivian R1S and R1T EVs include OTA updates, some features may require additional hardware or software not included on Gen 1 models.

Rivian hands-free and attention-free autonomous highway driving will be available on the upcoming R2 model. The smaller electric SUV is due out in the first half of 2026, starting at around $45,000.

Electrek’s Take

As a Tesla Model 3 driver, I can tell you that Full-Self Driving (FSD) is fun and can be helpful at times. I’ve used it on longer trips, like through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it makes driving or sitting in the car a little more enjoyable.

Although the system still requires you to pay attention, it enables the vehicle to drive itself almost anywhere with “minimal driver intervention.”

The new Actually Smart Summon feature is one of my favorites. Through the Tesla app, you can summon your vehicle to come to you in a parking lot. The vehicle will then move around other cars, people, and objects to find you.

Other functions, like Navigate on Autopilot, will take over while the vehicle is on the highway, changing lanes (with turn signals) and braking or accelerating as needed.

For Rivian owners, it would be like an upgraded system from Highway and Lane Change Assist. The “eyes-free” system coming next year will likely have a few regulatory hurdles to pass before it rolls out, so it should be interesting to see what that will consist of. Check back for more info soon. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.

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The world’s largest solar + storage project will deliver power 24/7

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The world's largest solar + storage project will deliver power 24/7

The United Arab Emirates is building the world’s largest solar and battery storage project that will dispatch clean energy 24/7.

Emirati Renewable energy company Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) and Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) are developing the trailblazing solar and battery storage project. Once it’s online, will become the largest combined solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in the world.

Located in Abu Dhabi, the project will feature a 5.2 GW solar PV plant coupled with a 19 gigawatt-hour (GWh) BESS.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, minister of industry and advanced technology and chairman of Masdar, said:

For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been intermittency – to be able to source uninterrupted clean power day and night.

In collaboration with EWEC and our partners, we will develop a renewable energy facility capable of providing clean energy round the clock.

For the first time ever, this will transform renewable energy into a world-leading 1 GW of reliable baseload energy every day on an unprecedented scale – a first step that could become a giant leap for the world.

Masdar announced China’s JA Solar and Jinko Solar, two of the world’s largest solar panel suppliers, and Chinese battery and BESS giant CATL as preferred suppliers. JA Solar and Jinko Solar will supply 2.6 GW of solar panels each. India’s Larsen & Toubro and POWERCHINA have been selected as preferred engineering, procurement, and construction contractors.

Masdar says the project will create 10,000 jobs and doesn’t yet indicate a projected completion date.

Read more: China installed a record capacity of solar and wind in 2024 – in numbers


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