Home-grown e-boat

“The E8’s meticulous design process, high-performance electric drive train and high-energy density battery pack will ensure a generous range of around 50 nautical miles at 25 knots, or in excess of 100 at cruising speeds.”

Davey continued, “While we’ve engineered a considerable amount into the overall efficiency, concerns around range anxiety are countered with the fact that the average recreational boat user travels 10 kilometres or less in each trip. The E8 model will be capable of covering approximately 10 times this distance at top speed!”

The team’s experience within the EV charging space has ensured that the practicalities of charging will be well-catered for. Genevo Marine will be rolling out a fast-charging network at strategic marinas nationwide to support their fleet and meet the growing electric boat demand.

Genevo Marine’s fast-charging network will operate as an ancillary business arm to its electric boat manufacturing to support its growth. “Our charging technology has the capability to satisfy fast charging to both electric boats and EVs, and our technology partner is the world leader in dockside chargers,” said Rahmate.

“The satellite fast charge pedestals offer a distinct advantage for dockside chargers over other manufacturers, being slimline, compact and proven in harsh marine environments. They are also more easily scaled up in dockside environments, which will be important as the number of electric vessels on the water increases.

“Genevo Marine will be unique in acting as our own hardware service partner and installer, similar to Tesla’s own Super Charger network, thereby cutting out the requirement for third-party providers and their inherent delays,” he continued.

“It’s vitally important that we own and service our own network and minimise the downtime delays that have dogged some of the EV charging networks.”

According to Andrew, the E8’s fast onboard charging technology provides the flexibility and convenience of being compatible with existing EV fast chargers, making it feasible to charge dockside or also while on trailer at standard roadside EV networks.

“Fast charging also greatly reduces charge times, meaning that people can get out there and enjoy the water. The E8 will also feature domestic charger capability, enabling owners to charge from their solar systems at home for free.”

The E8 will be the first of Genevo’s models with more to follow – sitting in the dayboat category, the E8’s utilitarian design ethos ensures it will satisfy families, avid fishing enthusiasts and superyacht tender requirements alike.

Capable of comfortably carrying eight or more guests, the powerful 400 kW electric drive train and 132 kWh lithium-ion battery will ensure high-speed thrills without the drone or exhaust fumes associated with traditional petrol engines. In addition to the minimal running costs, Rahmate and Davey both keenly point to the huge reductions electric boats offer to ongoing maintenance costs.

“Fuel cost reductions are obviously a significant advantage, but the real game-changer is the huge offset in running costs with electric motors – they only have about 1 percent of the moving parts compared to petrol engines, so they just don’t require the same maintenance regimes,” stated Davey.

Added to this, the E8 will offer a comprehensive telemetric system to remotely monitor each onboard system for ongoing after-sales support and OTA software updates. “Additionally, a 1-kW solar array on the canopy will power the boat’s onboard Garmin, Polk audio entertainment and cooling systems.

“We’ve been able to approach electric boatbuilding with fresh eyes,” stated Davey. “We have access to the most efficient, cutting-edge technology in an industry that is constantly evolving.”

“Our objective is to develop and manufacture an Australian boat for our conditions that will have the least impact on the marine environment,” added Rahmate.

“We are both boaties and surfers and want to ensure the oceans, bays and rivers are healthy for our kids and future generations.”

The Genevo E8 will be built by one of Australia’s leading composite boat manufacturers, Dan Williams of Mahi Boats located at the Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard on the Gold Coast. Dan has been boat building for 18 years, with specialist expertise in carbon fibre race yachts and custom builds, working in Australia, the UK, Netherlands, UAE and the US.

“Partnering with Mahi Boats for the initial tooling development stages and model runs will ensure an extremely high level of quality control,” stated Damon. “The E8 entails an array of advanced technologies and is in many ways a reinvention of the boat as we all know it.

“We were adamant that our manufacturing partner was as passionate and flexible about new technologies in their manufacturing approach. Dan and his team are the perfect fit,” Davey added. “They’ve demonstrated an ongoing commitment to sustainability and advanced manufacturing technologies in their own practices.”

Commenting on the partnership, Williams noted the synergies between Genevo and Mahi Boats. “The environmentally friendly aspect is something that aligns with our core values.

“Innovation is something we’re passionate about. We’re always looking to innovate at every opportunity and Genevo provides the perfect platform for this. We are very adaptable to our client’s needs, taking into consideration, budget, timeline quality and everything in between.”

The E8 will be built using an array of the latest composite materials and techniques, as Williams explained. “Building with composites, we can manage the strength-to-weight ratio.

“With a wider range of greener composite solutions making their way onto the market, we can utilise them in keeping with the environmental aspirations of Genevo. Using advanced techniques of construction, we can save on costs and time, and assure consistency throughout the whole operation.”

The team from Genevo expects production to begin in mid-2024 and the first units will be available for inspection and sea trials by the end of the year.

Genevo recently opened pre-orders for the E8 as the best way to ensure that buyers can get ahead of the anticipated waitlist.

genevomarine.com.au