Electric rental yacht powered by Ecovolta launches on Lake Como

Italian shipyard Ernesto Riva has presented a fully electric version of its classic Vaporina yacht for the first time. The Vaporina Elettra is the yard’s second all-electric vessel, following the launch of the e-Commuter yacht last year, and is the first such vessel to launch on Lake Como.

Swiss battery specialist Ecovolta was the project’s technology partner, delivering the vessel’s batteries and inverters. The Vaporina Elettra, which is made entirely from wood, has two electric motors, each with a power output of 100kW, a length of nearly 10m (32.8ft) and room for 12 people on board. The lithium-ion batteries provide a total capacity of 180kWh and enable five hours of autonomous operation at a speed of 13kts (15mph / 24km/h). Thanks to their energy density of 480Wh per liter, the batteries offer high capacity without taking up too much space.

Ecovolta’s safety concept uses cell junctions made up of nickel-electroplated cold strips that automatically cut off damaged battery cells from the rest of the mechanism, preventing fires and allowing the battery as a whole to remain functional, even when individual cells malfunction.

“The Vaporina is one of the most traditional models manufactured by Ernesto Riva,” said Daniele Riva, owner of Ernesto Riva. “With the new electric drive, we are prepared for the 21st century. The boat demonstrates how elegant, uncompromisingly sustainable and safe maritime e-mobility can be in this day and age.”