Arc has built the first models of its much-anticipated Arc Sport 500hp electric wake boat, and we got a chance to take it for a quick demo in Long Beach, CA and holy heck, this thing rips.
Arc is a very new company – it was founded in 2021 in Los Angeles, and is targeting the luxury boat market with high-powered electric boats. Its cofounders, Mitch Lee and Ryan Cook, are engineers who met while working at Boeing.
The company has since grown to over 100 employees, and the company boasts that many are former SpaceX, Tesla, and Rivian workers (like, well, every other electric startup).
But it seems to have something to it, because Arc has been able to raise over $100 million in funding so far – not a bad chunk of change to get things started.
The Arc Sport, announced in February, is not Arc’s first boat. It previously released the Arc One, a limited-edition, $300,000 speedboat, of which only 20 units were made.
But the Sport is a wake boat, a more specialized type of boat, and it’s a downright steal compared to that model, starting at the low-low price of $258,000. Pocket change, really (although, an early tricked-out “Founder’s Fleet” model with all the options and extras included will cost $322k).
This is by no means cheap, but is relatively competitive with the higher-end wake boats from companies like Nautique or Malibu (Nautique has its own electric wake boat, which starts at $312k).
Wake boats have been growing in popularity lately, both for standard boating activities and for wakeboarding/wakesurfing. Wake boats need high power along with specialized control surfaces and ballast control to help make a large, surfable wake behind the boat.
They also include a tower to attach a tow rope to, so wakeboarders can get up onto the board. The Arc Sport has an adjustable tower which raises and lowers, to offer a higher angle to help pull riders up out of the water, or lower clearance in case that’s needed for navigating around a marina.
Electric drive has a lot of benefits for this application – many of which are familiar from the world of automotive. For one, when wakeboarding behind the Arc Sport, you aren’t constantly choking down fumes and getting loopy from exhaust mere feet from your face in an otherwise beautiful natural lake environment. Which is quite a plus.
The weight penalty of the Sport’s massive 226kWh battery isn’t that significant, either. Wake boats typically benefit from having a lot of mass at the stern of the boat – and will intentionally take on water as ballast to ensure that the rear is as low as possible in order to throw a larger wave. So a chunky battery, sited low in the stern, is fit-to-purpose anyway.
And, like in electric cars, an electric motor has high torque at zero rpm, which means it has… A LOT OF GET-UP-AND-GO.
Arc used a low (2,000) rpm semi truck motor with direct drive (no gearbox) to reduce noise and friction and ensure high torque, which means we literally fell right out of our damn seat the first time they punched it. Arc says it has twice the torque of competing boats, and it sure felt like that.
An electric motor is also easier to put where you want it, so there doesn’t need to be a big, loud, hot, vibrating mass in the middle of the boat (where engines often go), making it easier to use that space for socializing or moving around inside the boat. The motor in this case is pretty centrally located, under the floor of the boat.
The boat is quite quiet at low speeds and some light vibration can be felt through the floor, but it’s a lot less than you’d get from a fossil machine. Though between the noise of splashing water, buffeting wind and 500 horsepower, things get a bit noisier when getting up to the electronically-limited top speed of 40 knots.
I’ve spent a fair amount of time around boats myself, growing up alongside a harbor and in a boating family. Not much of that time has been spent piloting anything impressive, but I’ve been at the helm of a few boats here and there. As for electric boats, all I had piloted before now were Duffys and the like – low-speed cruisers, nothing like this.
After getting a quick demo ride from Arc, it was time for me to grab the helm and go for a spin. I did a few figure-8s, making wake for myself to cut through, and felt that extreme acceleration on my own (which was… easier to stay seated during when I was actually prepared for it).
And once I started, I really didn’t want to stop (but then again, that’s often the case for a day of boating, isn’t it?). The boat handled great in the flat water we had it in – and the choppier water once I laid down some wake to blast through.
The captain’s seat was a little tight on legroom, but this is adjustable and Arc is looking to increase the amount of adjustability on the production version. And the throttle was pretty twitchy, which is bound to happen with so much power, but Arc was thinking about smoothing out the mapping of the throttle lever, which I think would be a good idea. Luckily, Arc has complete control over the boat’s software, so tweaks like this are possible and there could even be user-selectable drive modes.
This is another way that Arc distinguishes itself: through a sleek modern interface updatable over-the-air. Some boats have the ability to update maps over the air, but Arc says it’s the first to be able to provide Tesla-like updates to software that’s deeply integrated into the boat.
The UI we saw wasn’t finalized, but what we saw worked well and had various aspects of customizability, like simple controls to adjust the wake, and the pitch of the boat in the water, or to look through one of the boat’s three cameras. One neat aspect was a small red bar on the pilot’s display showing when your steering is centered, which is something that’s easy to lose track of in a boat.
We didn’t get to test out any connectivity/app features, but remote management of charging, checking the cameras on the boat, and so on, seem like natural features that will come down the pipe.
As for the practical parts, the Arc sport is 23 feet long with comfortable seating for 15 (though make sure you’re holding onto something when the pilot punches it), lots of cupholders (Arc told us the final version might even have more), good room for storage under the seats and rear deck (another benefit of electric drive, more storage space where the motor would go), and board storage on top of the adjustable tower.
It also has a set of side thrusters on the bow and stern which help with precision maneuvering, which can be a great help while docking, particularly for less-experienced pilots.
And maintenance should be easier too. Boats are famously a nuisance to keep in good running order, given that they sit parked in a corrosive substance full of strange plants and animals for literally all of their lives. That’s no different here, but at least you won’t have to worry about fuel going bad or winterizing the boat.
Most docks have 240V service for shore power, and Arc’s boats can just stay plugged in (while 7-10kW service means 20-30 hours for a “full charge” of the 226kWh battery, it’s rare that you’ll have a boat out more than ~4 hours in a day anyway). And it’s a lot cheaper to fuel than paying marina rates for gasoline. The Sport is also capable of 225kW CCS DC charging, for the few marinas that have installed DC fast chargers (there’s one in Tahoe).
That brings us to the “range” question, which is a different set of calculus for boats. Arc says the massive battery is good for 4-5 hours of use, though that depends highly on what you’re doing. If you’re just cruising around at low speed, that time will be extended tremendously. If you’re doing constant start-stops or running at high speeds, you’ll use a lot more energy (water is thicker than air after all – there’s a much bigger speed penalty to efficiency on water).
Arc said it took the boat out to Catalina Island, which is 26 miles across the sea from the California coastline. On the way out, they kept it conservative, and used about 10% of the battery. Then they camped overnight and bombed back to the mainland the next day at high speed, and ended up with about 35% left by the time they got back. So that higher-speed trip used ~5x as much energy as the low-speed one did (there may have been differences in wind/waves as well). And 50+ miles on the ocean, with range to spare, is quite a day or two of boating.
But for the most part, these machines will be used on lakes or in calm waters anyway, so it should be more than enough for a great day out.
And in a nice lake environment, the underlying benefit of an electric boat becomes exceptionally clear. These are sensitive and contained environments, so adding anything foreign to them can really screw up the ecosystem. The less nonsense we can bring into lakes, in the form of fumes and oil and what-have-you, the better.
The quiet and lack of exhaust really enhance the experience of boating, but unfortunately Arc doesn’t have a solution to one problem: everyone else. While boating around we still occasionally had to smell the stench from some passing boat, and the water surface near the docks was still oily due to the activity of other boats.
And that’s going to end up changing – some marinas and lakes are already giving out separate electric-boat registrations, and charging significant extra money for launching gas-powered boats due to the environmental damage they cause, which electric boats don’t have to pay. Local pushes to clean up lakes are quite strong – the preponderance of “Keep Tahoe Blue” bumper stickers throughout California suggest that as more options become available, restrictions on dirtier options may well increase.
So lets keep our eye on the prize here – not only is the Arc Sport a pricey-yet-capable toy, it’s also the vanguard of an industry that’s about to change for the better. Our whole Earth is heating up and getting dirtier with every gallon of dino-juice we bleed from this precious planet of ours, so why not keep some of it deep underground where it belongs instead of on the surface of our lakes and marinas.
Arc is kicking off its nationwide demo tour today, which you can sign up for here. They’re still not the full production boats, but they’re close. Arc has started taking orders (you can reserve one for $500) and plans to deliver boats “this year” (with the Founder’s Fleet all being delivered by next summer), with an eventual goal of producing “hundreds” per year.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
The PV5 is more than just an electric van. It can do it all. After revealing the PV5 Chassis Cab, Kia showed how it can turn into a food truck, a camper, and plenty of other setups you wouldn’t expect.
Kia launches the PV5 Chassis Cab
Kia’s electric van can do it all. The PV5 is a mid-size all-electric van and the first from Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.
The PV5 Passenger and Cargo variants are already rolling out across Europe and South Korea, with more markets planned over the next few months.
At SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyons, France, on Monday, Kia revealed another new version: The PV5 Chassis Cab. As Kia’s first electric chassis cab model, it marks a significant step toward the company’s goal of becoming a leader in light commercial electric vans by 2030.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
Like all PBV vans, the Chassis Cab is built on the flexible E-GMP.S platform. Depending on the configuration, the PV5 Chassis Cab offers up to 1,005 kg (2,200 lbs) of max payload and eight cubic meters of cargo space (High Box).
Kia reveals the PV5 Chassis Cab at SOLUTRANS 2025 (Source: Kia)
The PV5 Chassis Cab “combines compact efficiency with the carrying capacity of larger vans to offer customers across Europe a responsible, flexible solution for daily operations,” Kia Europe’s CEO, Marc Hedrich, said during the launch event.
Kia developed the new Chassis Cab model with European converters as the most flexible PV5 variant yet. The Dropside can be used for farming or construction equipment, the Tipper for waste collection.
An interior setup for the Kia PV5 Chassis Cab (Source: Kia)
It also supports three types of Box Vans for e-commerce deliveries, as well as a refrigerated option for grocery delivery.
To showcase its abilities, Kia converted one into a food truck and will offer drinks and “brioches aux pralines roses,” a traditional pastry from Lyon.
The PV5 Chassis Cab will be available with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh. The driving range will vary based on the setup, but Kia said, for reference, the L2H1 Cargo delivers a WLTP range of up to 297 km (185 mi) with the standard battery and 416 km (258 mi) with the long-range battery.
With DC fast-charging speeds of up to 150 kW, the electric van can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes, getting you back on the road.
Kia also introduced the Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem, its new suite of connectivity and charging services for fleets.
The interior of the Kia PV5 Chassis Cab (Source: Kia)
The new Kia Android OS infotainment system is at the center with AI Assist, regular OTA updates, and readiness for the PLEOS app market. Drivers can manage and sync profiles on the 12.9″ touchscreen.
Kia’s new Chassis Cab variant follows the PV5 Cargo Long Range, which set a new Guinness World Record in September for “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge.”
The Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range sets a new Guinness World Record (Source: Kia)
Using the 71.2 kWh battery with 665 kg (1,466 lbs) payload, Kia’s electric van traveled 693.38 km (430.84 mi) on a single charge.
On Friday, Kia opened its first dedicated PV5 production hub in South Korea. The new EVO Plant East is a 98,433 square-meter site with an annual production capacity of 100,000 units. Kia will build PV5 Passenger, Carog, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) models at the facility.
The entire hub will be about the size of 42 soccer fields. Once complete, it will be able to crank out 250,000 electric vans a year.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Save up to 41% on Navee’s smart e-scooters, like the flagship ST3 Pro at its second-ever $660 low, more from $315
Navee has officially launched its Black Friday Sale, which is not only seeing up to 30% initial discounts across its lineup of e-scooters, but is also offering a bonus $100 sitewide savings using the code BFVIP at checkout. One notable returning low price during this sale is on the flagship ST3 Pro Smart Electric Scooter at $659.99 shipped, after using the promo code BFVIP at checkout, beating out its Amazon pricing by $100. It carries a $950 MSRP, but we usually see it keeping down between $760 and $850 on average, with today’s rate having only appeared once before back during July’s Prime Day event. Now, you’re getting a second chance to score $190 off the going rate (and $290 off the MSRP) for the lowest price we have tracked since it hit the market in January. Head below to learn more about this scooter that I cannot stop raving about after going hands-on in our review, as well as the massive lineup of deals we’re seeing across the brand’s e-scooters.
There’s so much to love about Navee’s ST3 Pro electric scooter, from its significant commuting power to its wide array of smart features, including Apple Find My, proximity locking, and more. Of course, the first thing I and others have immediately noticed is its damping arm suspension system that has served me well through the streets of NYC, smoothing out rides down unpaved or pot-hole lined sections.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
The comfortable deck (which comes sporting dual RGB light strips) houses a 600W motor (1,350W peak), bringing the power to tackle up to 28% inclines with ease, while also providing fast acceleration to its max 20/28 MPH speeds (which depend on your local laws). There’s also a sizeable 597Wh battery here that keeps things running for up to 46.6 miles of travel, which I have yet to fully run down during cross-borough trips and joyrides. There’s plenty more to boast about here, like the traction control system, the triple-brake system (hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic regenerative brakes), self-healing puncture-resistant tires, an auto-on headlight, a taillight with brake lighting, turn signals on the handlebars, 15 ambient lighting modes, and more. Get the full rundown of what you can expect in my hands-on review from over the summer.
***Note: The prices below have not had the extra sitewide savings factored in, so be sure to use the promo code BFVIP at checkout to score the very best deals during Navee’s Black Friday Sale!
Apple Find My, smart locking, damping arm suspension, triple braking system, and more
You can also find the brand’s latest e-scooter releases (with no starting discounts), as well as a kids-friendly model on Navee’s main Black Friday Sale page here.
Get up to 85 miles of pedal-assisted cargo carrying on Heybike’s dual-battery Hauler e-bike at a new $1,099 low
Heybike is now offering its Hauler Dual-Battery Cargo e-bike at $1,099 shipped, with it also coming with an $89 dual rear side basket bundle and a Black Friday gift pack for FREE. Normally going for $1,899 at full price, we usually see this model dropped down to $1,599, with occasional falls lower to $1,499 or $1,399. The deal here is going lower than ever, as $800 is cut from the tag for the lowest price we have tracked, while the single-battery model is now sold out.
EcoFlow’s next 48-hour flash sale drops DELTA Pro 400W solar bundle to new $1,599 low
As part of its ongoing early Black Friday Sale, EcoFlow has launched its final early Black Friday 48-hour flash sale before it kicks into its second phase on November 20, with up to 67% discounts on four offers – two power station bundles and two dual expansion battery bundles. The standout for folks wanting more versatile charging options is EcoFlow’s DELTA Pro Portable Power Station with a 400W solar panel at $1,599 shipped, beating out its Amazon pricing by $300. This bundle would normally run for $4,898 at full price here, while it keeps down at $3,999 at Amazon when in full, though Prime members have had the opportunity to score it under $2,000 for months now. Discounts over the year have only taken the costs on this bundle down as low as $1,799 up until today, with this greater 60% markdown taking $2,400 off the going rate (67% taking $3,299 off the MSRP) and landing it at a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about it and the other offers lasting through November 19.
Get more clearing power for seasonal debris with Greenworks’ 80V 700 CFM cordless blower at $175
Amazon is offering the Greenworks 80V 700 CFM Cordless Leaf Blower with 2.5Ah battery at $174.99 shipped. Dropped down from its usual $250 full price, we only saw it dipping to $200 up until July, when discounts grew and we saw more savings. While it did go as low as $165 during last month’s Prime Day event, you’re still looking at a solid 30% markdown here, cutting $75 off the going rate for the third-lowest price we have tracked – just $10 above the one-time low.
Lectric XP4 Standard Folding Utility e-bikes with $326 bundle: $999 (Reg. $1,325)
Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Long-Range e-bikes with $449 bundles: $999 (Reg. $1,448)
Heybike Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike with Black Friday gift: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
Heybike Ranger S Folding Fat-Tire e-bike with Black Friday gift: $999 (Reg. $1,499)
Best new Green Deals landing this week
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Waymo is significantly accelerating its rollout. After years of slow and methodical expansion, the Alphabet-owned company is now moving at a faster speed, announcing today that it is bringing its autonomous driving technology to five new major cities, starting with Miami.
This comes just days after the company finally unlocked driverless freeway rides for passengers in its core markets.
For a long time, the criticism of Waymo was that while its technology was impressive, it couldn’t scale. It took them years to go from a geofenced area in Chandler, Arizona, to covering the full metro area of Phoenix and expanding to San Francisco.
But that narrative is officially dead.
Advertisement – scroll for more content
In a press release titled “Safe, routine, ready: Autonomous driving in new cities,” Waymo confirmed it is launching operations in Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando.
The company says operations start today in Miami, with the other four cities following in the “coming weeks.”
Tekedra Mawakana, Waymo’s co-CEO, commented on the expansion:
“Safe, routine, ready… We’ve built a generalizable Driver, powered by Waymo’s demonstrably safe AI, and an operational playbook to reliably achieve this milestone.”
It’s worth noting the distinction here between “operations” and “commercial rides.” Waymo says it is starting operations (likely testing) now, with plans to “open our doors to riders next year.” This aligns with their recent strategy in Austin and Atlanta, where they tested for a few months before opening up the app to the public.
Waymo’s Expansion Timeline
With today’s news, Waymo’s map is getting quite a bit more crowded – albeit with some asterisks. Here is the current breakdown of where the service is live and where it is coming next:
Live Commercial Service (Bookable now)
Phoenix, AZ: Fully public. Includes freeway access.
San Francisco, CA: Fully public. Includes freeway access.
Los Angeles, CA: Fully public. Includes freeway access.
Austin, TX: Commercial operations active (partnership with Uber).
Atlanta, GA: Commercial operations active.
Imminent Launch / Testing Operations
Miami, FL: Operations started Nov 18, 2025. Rider access in 2026.
Dallas, TX: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.
Houston, TX: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.
San Antonio, TX: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.
Orlando, FL: Operations starting late 2025. Rider access in 2026.
The inclusion of three more Texas cities (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio) alongside Austin means Waymo is effectively aiming to cover the “Texas Triangle,” a massive transportation corridor.
It is made possible by Texas’s relaxed autonomous-driving laws.
I sure hope we are going to start the calls of “Waymo can’t scale” fade away.
In the next few months, Waymo will be operating driverless in 10 of the biggest cities in the US.
No one else is doing that in North America right now. There are companies in China that have similar deployment capabilities, but that’s about it.
Tesla shareholders will try to tell you that the automaker is right on Waymo’s heels. Still, Tesla is currently operating something it calls “Robotaxi” that requires a safety driver inside at all times.
Even if Tesla is set up to scale faster, it is still not at square one when it comes to operating an autonomous vehicle ride-hailing service.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.