Genevo E8 – Australia’s first high-performance electric motor yacht.
Australia will soon have its own contender in the electric boat segment, as Genevo Marine gears up for 2024 launch of its first model, an 8.2-metre, luxury motor yacht known as the “E8”.
The company, founded by Damon Rahmate and Andrew Davey, who have a combined 30 years’ experience in the Solar photovoltaic (PV), Energy Storage, EV charger and marine industries, has developed Australia’s first high-powered electric boat. The E8 was designed by award-winning superyacht designer Misha Merzliakov and will be built by leading composite boat builder, Dan Williams on the Gold Coast.
Three years in design development, the E8 will employ a proprietary recycled carbon fibre composite hull design. Genevo Marine are working with Deakin University on recycled carbon fibre materials testing and there are plans to source the recycled carbon fibre raw materials from a newly planned aerospace carbon fibre recycling plant in Australia.
As Damon explained, “Designing an electric boat entails some deep consideration and analysis around hull efficiencies and weight distribution. “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.”
Andrew 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 10km 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.
The E8 will be the first of Genevo’s models with more to follow. Sitting in the day-boat category, the E8’s utilitarian design ethos ensures that it will also satisfy families and avid fishing enthusiasts or super yacht tender requirements alike. Capable of comfortably carrying eight or more guests, the powerful 400kW electric drive train and 132kWh 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 Damon and Andrew both keenly point to the huge reductions electric boats offer to on-going maintenance costs.
“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 Damon. “We are both boaties and surfers and want to ensure the oceans, bays and rivers are healthy for our kids and future generations.”
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 wait list.
