Zodiac Launches E-Boat Range

Zodiac has tapped the German e-mobility giant Torqeedo to power its new, eOPEN line of 100 percent electric RIBs.

The eOPEN line’s initial 4-seat and 6-seat launches (approximately 10-foot, 2-inches and 11-foot, 2-inches, respectively) are set to debut at next week’s Cannes Yachting Festival, which runs Sept. 7-12.

"It became important and urgent to imagine a range that would be part of a future-oriented approach,” said Zodiac product marketing manager Fanny Revert-Ciavattini in a statement. “Electric mobility is gaining ground all around us, and as the market leader in RIBs, we couldn't afford to miss out.”

On a full charge, the boats are said to have about 50 minutes of range at 12 knots. The Torqeedo drive systems including a motor, batteries and charger.

“Torqeedo was the ideal partner to develop these new products,” Revert-Ciavattini said.

Added Torqeedo managing director Dr. Michael Rummel: “We were thrilled to partner with Zodiac on their eOPEN line of electric RIBs. It’s an iconic, yet an innovative company that has a finger on the pulse of what customers want, and when.”