Exclusive: Former Tesla exec unveils slick-looking solar-powered electric speedboat
Electric boating is quickly becoming a fascinating industry with a growing list of players offering high-tech watercraft. The latest high-performance electric speedboat planning to hit the waters is the R30 from Blue Innovations Group (BIG).
BIG was founded by Tesla’s former head of global manufacturing John Vo. He ran Tesla’s manufacturing from 2011 to 2017 and knows a thing or two about building electric vehicles, though boats are certainly new territory for Vo.
We spoke about the growing electric watercraft industry, and Vo described to me why the time is ripe for a revolution in boating. “Ten years ago, starting an electric car company made sense. But now it is established,” explained Vo. “But electric boats on the other hand are a no-brainer. I want to bring a revolution to the industry.”
The R30, he believes, is the kind of revolution that could help clean up boating. That’s why the company’s goal isn’t to hand-build just a few expensive luxury boats. “To really impact the environment, you can’t build electric boats by the dozens. It has to be by the thousands.”
Vo hopes to reach that volume by designing the 30-foot electric cabin cruiser for mass production utilizing automotive manufacturing techniques. Part of that plan involves eschewing typical boat manufacturing methods such as fiberglass or carbon fiber in favor of an aluminum hull as well as using a battery that is structurally integrated as part of the boat’s frame.
Longevity is also part of the plan. Vo’s aluminum construction allows him to offer a lifetime guarantee on the hull. Opting for lithium iron phosphate instead of traditional NMC or NCA lithium-ion batteries also allows him to more than double the lifespan of the battery. “So it’s a little bit bigger of a battery with slightly lower energy density,” he mused. “I have the space – it’s a boat.”
The downside of the aluminum design is that it complicates tooling, something that the boat’s designers are still working on solving. They’ve got time, though not too terribly much of it. BIG has an aggressive schedule ahead of it. They’ll debut a prototype at CES early next month using a prototype hull. That prototype will become an alpha model for testing by February of 2023, followed by four beta models to be produced by October of 2023. By Q2 2024, BIG expects to be delivering R30 boats to reservation holders.
Speaking of those reservation holders, you can already hop in line for an R30. It’s not cheap with an expected price of US $300,000, but that’s in the ballpark of other high-end electric boats hitting the market soon. It’s also not far off of the price of gas-powered luxury boats these days. Even if the $300K price tag fits the current market, Vo fully expects that price to drop as mass production enables cost reductions.
And to be fair, the R30 looks to be squarely in the luxury column. Vo described it as a connected oasis with versatility allowing it to be used within the confines of a healthy work/life balance. Take a Zoom call in the comfort of the sofa in the cabin, then return up top to go fishing on the walkaround bow. Or if fishing isn’t your thing, just lay out on the sun bed. For those that prefer to get wet, foldout swim platforms on three sides of the stern will make it easy to enter and exit the water.
And if it’s shade you’re after, the hardtop does double duty by blocking the sun and also turning those rays into usable energy. Extendable solar panels fold out from the main canopy to provide up to 2.7 kW of solar power for recharging the boat’s massive liquid-cooled 221 kWh battery. At that rate you could run the battery nearly empty each weekend and come back at the end of the week to a fully-charged battery. Of course you could also just charge it up using shore power at the dock, but where’s the fun in that? And having an infinite supply of electricity above our heads sure makes for a nice way to recharge while bobbing around out on the water.
Considering that many power boats aren’t actually used everyday (or even multiple times during the week), the R30 stands to become a net zero boat for many users, meaning it would independently generate all the energy it needs to operate.
With a maximum speed of around 39 knots (45 mph or 72 km/h) from a pair of motors creating a combined 800 hp (600 kW), the R30 provides some serious performance to match its slick design. In fact, that’s more than 50% more powerful than the previous ‘highest-powered electric speedboat’ title claimed by Arc.
And a former Tesla executive isn’t going to build an electric boat without a slick design to match. From the spacious below-deck cabin with versatile bed/table arrangement (flip the table upside to turn it into a large mattress) the large dual-screen console complete with Tesla-style yoke steering wheel, the R30 doesn’t seem to miss a beat on style.
What do you think of the Blue Innovation Group’s R30 electric powerboat?
Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Time-of-use electricity plans are hardly a new concept, but what makes Octopus Energy’s new time-of-use plan, OctopusFlex, great is that it’s ridiculously simple.
It rewards its customers in Lubbock, Texas, for using power between 10 pm and 6 am with cheaper rates, when the grid is quieter and cleaner. That means big savings for choosing to run your dishwasher or washer and dryer at night or charging your EV while you sleep.
And if customers use EV charger apps and smart thermostats, OctopusFlex automatically shifts electricity use to off-peak hours, which makes a real difference in accessing lower rates and saving money.
“This is about more than off-peak discounts,” said Nick Chaset, CEO of Octopus Energy US. “We’re giving customers the power to save money while actively supporting a cleaner, more balanced grid.”
Built around customer feedback, OctopusFlex is designed for total transparency. Customers can see exactly how and when they’re using electricity, what it’s costing them, and no connected devices are required. All they have to do is remember that electricity is cheaper from 10 pm to 6am.
“We’re thrilled to launch OctopusFlex, a plan our customers asked for and helped name,” said Katie Rosario, marketing manager. “With OctopusFlex, customers can shift energy use on their terms to save money.”
And in the summer, when solar power is strong and demand shifts, OctopusFlex customers could see low rates not just overnight, but all day long. (This program is designed for folks who don’t have solar and battery storage.)
“Time-of-use is one of the easiest ways to cut energy bills and reward flexibility,” said Daniel Kirwin, product manager. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring this to Texas.”
By nudging demand to off-peak hours, OctopusFlex helps reduce the strain on Texas’ grid during scorching summer afternoons, cuts the risk of blackouts, and makes room for more renewable energy.
Want to make the most of it? Pre-cool your home in the early morning, run big appliances overnight, charge your EV after 10 pm, and use smart plugs or timers to set and forget.
OctopusFlex is now live in Lubbock, Texas, where Octopus Energy became a retail provider in early 2024. Octopus Energy launched in 2016 and entered the US market in 2020. The company is part of Octopus Group, a global certified BCorp operating in 18 countries.
Read more: This Texas EV lease company includes unlimited free home charging
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Are you sick of hearing BYD’s name yet? You may want to get used to it. Another one of its EV models crossed a major milestone on Monday as BYD’s global push heats up.
BYD Atto 3 EV hits 1 million cumulative sales milestone
BYD announced on Weibo that its cumulative global sales of the Yuan Up electric SUV surpassed the 1 million mark on Monday.
The Yuan Up is sold in China and rebranded under the name Atto 3 in global markets. It’s the third vehicle in BYD’s Dynasty series to achieve this feat, following the BYD Song (sold globally under the name Seal U) and the Qin sedan.
BYD first launched the electric SUV in China in February 2022, meaning it took just over three years and four months to sell one million units.
In China, the Yuan Up starts at just 115,800 yuan ($16,100), but overseas, it typically costs more. For example, the Atto 3 starts at around 38,000 euros ($44,000) in Europe. In Thailand, it was launched at around 1,099,900 baht ($33,600), but BYD has since slashed the prices to around 899,900 baht ($27,500).
After launching the electric SUV in Hyundai and Kia’s home market of Korea earlier this year, the Atto 3 secured over 1,000 preorders in under a week.
Measuring 4,455 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,615 mm in height, the Atto 3 is a small SUV, about the size of the Nissan Qashqai.
In China, the Yuan Up is available with two LFP battery options: 49.9 kWh and 60.5 kWh, providing a CLTC range of 430 km (267 miles) and 510 km (317 miles), respectively. The Atto 3 is rated with a WLTP range of 345 km (214 miles) and 420 km (261 miles).
The Yuan Up (Atto 3) is the latest BYD EV to reach the milestone. Last week, it was BYD’s top-selling electric car, the Seagull.
BYD’s Seagull EV starts at under $10,000 (69,800 yuan) in China and is sold globally under the name Dolphin Mini. In Europe, where it was launched earlier this month, it’s sold as the Dolphin Surf, with starting prices at € 19,990 ($23,100).
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The world seems awfully tinderbox-y these days, what with a heat dome descending over the US, the Strait of Hormuz getting locked down, and gas prices set to climb on rising oil prices. As such, it might be a good time to buy that slick new EV you’ve had your eye on. If that sounds like you, you’re in luck! There are a bunch of great plug-in cars you can buy with 0% financing in June, 2025!
As I was putting this list together, I realized there were plenty of ways for me to present this information. “Best EVs ..?” Too opinion based. “Cheapest EVs ..?” Too much research. “Biggest discount deal ..?” Too individualized. In the end, I went with alphabetical order, by make. And, as for which deals are new this month? You’re just gonna have to check the list. Enjoy!
Acura ZDX
A solidly-built EV with GM levels of parts support and Honda levels of fit, finish, and quality control plus Apple CarPlay? That’s the Acura ZDX, and (through June 30th) you can get yours with 0% financing for up to 72 months, making the ZDX one the best sporty crossover values in the business.
Chevy Brightdrop ZEVO
GM Authority is reporting that the $25,500 discount rolled out to Chevy Brightdrop dealers nationwide has been extended through June 30th on both the Zevo 400 and 600 models, and that the massive Brightdrop price drop is stackable with up to $3,000 in Costco member savings plus 0% interest financing.
If you’re looking for a new truck for your business or even a unique #vanlife ride with zero emissions, modern tech, and a nationwide dealer network, GM makes that $130 Executive membership seem like a no-brainer.
Every electric Chevrolet
Chevrolet is offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on all three of its remaining 2024 model year Ultium-based EVs – and they’re all winners. The Silverado can be spec’ed up to a 10,500 lb. GVWR, making it capable enough to tow whatever horse, boat, or RV you put behind it.
On the crossover side, both the Chevy Blazer EV and Equinox EV each offer their own takes on the five-passenger family SUV, with the cost of base model Equinox LT FWD models with 319 miles of EPA-rated range dropping to just $27,500 after you apply the $7,500 Federal tax credit (which, for now, is still a thing).
Dodge Charger Daytona
Dodge dealers are hoping that at least a few muscle car enthusiasts with extra cash will find their way to a Dodge store and ask for the meanest, loudest, tire-shreddingest thing on the lot without caring too much about what’s under the hood. For them, Dodge has the new electric Charger, and Dodge will help get the deal done on its latest retro-tastic ride with 0% interest financing for up to 72 months!
Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning
This month, you can get a killer deal on a new Ford Mustang Mach-E, with 0% interest financing for up to 72 months on the sporty plug-in pony car.
If you’re looking for something more practical, the Ford F-150 Lightning is a reasonably capable half-ton truck with V2X capabilities that first proved themselves during Texas’ 2021 ice storms, when they backed up people’s homes while they waited for power to get restored. Ford Pro customers buying an F-150 Lightning for their commercial or public fleet also get Ford’s support in sourcing grants and incentives – meaning your fleet manager would be crazy not to take a serious look at this electric pickup.
GMC Sierra + Hummer EVs
Another legacy brand with a solid Powerwall option, the big Ultium-based EVs from GM’s commercial truck brand are seriously impressive machines, with shockingly quick acceleration and on-road handling that seems to defy the laws of physics once you understand that these are, essentially, medium-duty trucks. This month, GMC is doing its best to move out its existing inventory, so if you’re a fan of heavy metal you’ll definitely want to stop by your local GMC dealer and give the Hummer EV a test drive.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
From some angles, the Porsche influences in the Hyundai IONIQ 6′ design are obvious – but not so much so that it seems like a copy of anything. It’s aerodynamically efficient, comfortable, quick, offers up to 361 miles of range, can charge just about anywhere, and now through June 30th, it’s available with 0% financing for up to 48 months.
Jeep Wagoneer S
With some dealers advertising massive $25,000 discounts, the Jeep Wagoneer S is a confusingly named EV diamond in the rough. This high-riding crossover rides on a lifted version of the same Stellantis platform as the Dodge Charger, and seems more than ready to deliver solid range and on-road performance.
With those killer deals and 0% interest for up to 72 months through June 30th, the Wagoneer S might just be the best Jeep deal you’re going to find this month!
Lexus RZ
Starting at $55,175, the Lexus RZ promises up to 266 miles of EPA-rated range from a 72.8 kWh battery back in the “base” RZ300e (and 224 from the top-shelf RZ450e, shown above). With up to 308 hp and over 195 lb-ft of instant, all-electric torque, the RZ promises to be one Lexus’ zippier rides in any trim.
US News is reporting that remaining 2024 and ’25 Lexus RZ models qualify for 0% financing for up to 72 months in some regions.
Nissan Ariya
I’ve already said that the Nissan Ariya didn’t get a fair shake. If you click that link, you’ll read about a car that offers solid driving dynamics, innovative interior design, and all the practicality that makes five-passenger crossovers the must-haves they’ve become for most families. With up to 289 miles of EPA-rated range, Tesla Supercharger access, and 0% interest from Nissan for up to 72 months, Nissan dealers should have no trouble finding homes for these.
Tesla Model 3
Say what you will about Elon Musk, we wouldn’t be here talking about EVs at all if it wasn’t for his marketing brilliance, bravado, and sheer force of will. Beyond that, Tesla simply offers as superior ownership experience through total software integration, unfettered access to the Supercharger network, and the best EV route-planning software this side of Chargeway.
If you can stomach being associated with Elon (or have an inside line on some spare Honda badges), you can get a new Model 3 for 0% interest or 0.99% with $0 down if you apply the $7,500 Federal tax incentive at the point of purchase.
Toyota bZ4X
Toyota is updating its bZ4X with a new name and a slightly updated look for 2026, but the 2025 model is still a solid mid-sized contended that packs Toyota’s reputation for reliability with a staggering three decades of modern EV battery know-how that goes back to the OG Prius launched in 1997.
With an updated bZ waiting in the wings, the current bZ4X EV might be the best deal in Toyota’s current lineup with big discounts on remaining 2024 and 2025 model year bZ4X crossovers happening all month long.
VW ID.4
One of the most popular legacy EVs, the ID.4 offers Volkswagen build quality and a Chat-GPT enabled interface. Still, with a relatively affordable base price, lickety-quick charging, up to 291 miles of EPA-rated range, and a 5-star safety rating, and 0% interest financing for 72 months, the ID.4 offers a value proposition that’s tough to beat.
Disclaimer: the vehicle models and financing deals above were sourced from CarsDirect, CarEdge, and (where mentioned) the OEM websites – and were current as of 23JUN2025. These deals may not be available in every market, with every discount, or for every buyer (the standard “with approved credit” fine print should be considered implied). Check with your local dealer(s) for more information.
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