The Gussies Electric Boat Awards – Winners 2024
By Jeff Butler
Congratulations to all of the 2024 Gussies Winners!
After voting by more than 6,000 members of the public and an International Judging Panel of 32 electric boat experts, these are the boats who have taken First Place in their respective categories as best representatives of ‘excellence in electric boats and boating’.
Voting was weighted 75% Panel / 25% Public. In many categories, this was an incredibly tight competition – so much so that in one category when all of the votes were added up and weighted only a few points separated the first to fourth place finishers.
The awards are named after Gustave Trouvé, the French inventor who decided the best way to work on the electric motor propelling his prototype boat ‘Le Téléphone‘ along the Seine in 1874 was to devise a detachable unit so that he could tinker with the motor in his shop at home. It was the birth of the outboard motor.
Now, in 2024, more than 150 boats from 25 countries and every continent except Antarctica entered ‘The Gussies’ and carry on his legacy. Congratulations goes not just to our winners but also to all of the designers and builders and technicians and everyone involved in bringing these boats to life and for helping to grow electric propulsion everywhere. The future indeed looks very bright.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors: Aqua superPower, BlueNav and Oceanvolt
Aqua superPower - Aqua superPower is the first fully marinized dockside network of fast chargers for electric boats. The product range includes AC and DC charging solutions with a current maximum power output of 300 kW, allowing DC compatible powerboats to rapidly recharge and extend their autonomy. Aqua superPower has developed the first supercharger specifically engineered and rated for use in marine environments. Built to IP65 standards, Aqua superPower is a revolutionary and sustainable marine charging solution.
BlueNav - Aware of the limitations of batteries for the widespread adoption of electric mobility, BlueNav has focused its efforts on motors that can convert any type of boat into a hybrid electric vessel. BlueNav engineers have risen to the challenge of accelerating the energy transition in the boating industry by envisioning a global ecosystem that guarantees performance, boating comfort and environmental responsibility. Deep-rooted commitment is the foundation of the BlueNav mission and motivates unwavering dedication to client satisfaction.
Oceanvolt - Oceanvolt is a leading manufacturer of electric motors and propulsion systems for boats. Oceanvolt offers Hybrid or Electric systems as a power & propulsion option in partnership with many leading boat builders as well as repowering solutions for boat owners wishing to convert from legacy diesel engines. The silent, clean power and propulsion systems are available for either shaft or sail drive configurations and are suitable for sailboats, non- plaining motorboats and small passenger ferries and watertaxis.
2024 Gussies Award Winners
Production Electric Boats: Up to 8m / 26ft
Sun Concept EVO 7.0 Cruise
Sun Concept • Portugal
The SunConcept EVO 7.0 is a solar powered boat designed for use in calm and sheltered waters, suitable for protected coastal areas and lagoon and riverside areas where noise, pollution and stress caused by agitation are factors that destabilize and devalue the landscape and well-being. On the EVO 7.0, enjoy a meal inside, enjoy a sunset, dive into refreshing waters or simply sail. Capacity for 12 people. Energy-independent, capable of operating at 4 knots. Maximum speed: 7 knots. Standard version with 2 x 6 kW engines, 31.4 kWh lithium batteries and 1.54 kWhp solar power generation.
Concept/In Development Electric Boats: Up to 8m / 26ft
ENVGO NV1
ENVGO • Canada
The ENVGO NV1 is a 25-foot electric hydrofoiling cruiser that blends luxury with high performance. With a range of up to 80 miles and speeds reaching 50 mph, the NV1 effortlessly glides above water, leaving no wake, emitting zero emissions, and operating in near silence. The aesthetically sleek design and lightweight carbon fiber hull are matched only by its advanced flight control technology, offering a refined and intuitive boating experience. The ENVGO NV1 is a revolutionary clean-energy boat that sets a new standard where sustainability and innovation intersect, redefining what’s possible in high-performance electric boating.
Production Electric Boats: Over 8m / 26ft
Sialia 45 Sport
Sialia Yachts • Poland
The Sialia 45 Sport combines the technical pinnacle of boat design and electric powertrains delivering a unique experience of electric boating without compromises. Combining a top speed of 45 knots, cruising at 25 knots and a Miami – Bahamas range of 75nm with 10% to spare! With up to 700kWh semi-solid battery, 2x300kW continuous motors and a user-centric Ship Management system to ensure simple, safe and comfortable use the Sialia 45 Sport opens up for sustainable boating with all its perks but without compromising on performance, style and experience, at a price point matching its combustion peers!
Concept/In Development Electric Boats: Over 8m / 26ft
Optima e14
Optima Electric Yachts • UK
The Optima e14 is an ultra-efficient, light-weight 100% electric boat. The innovative design uses significantly less energy, the ultra-efficient design gives the boat a range of up to 150NM on one charge, allowing for long distance cruising in an electric boat and eliminating the problem of “range anxiety”. The low-energy hull reduces the need for very large battery banks, reducing weight and environmental impacts. Designed for leisure and commercial markets with a large sociable cockpit for up to 10 people and extensive galley facilities, open or enclosed cockpit – several variants are available to allow for bespoke customization.
Electric Sailboats
Fountaine Pajot Aura 51
Fountaine Pajot • France
The largest non-flybridge sailing catamaran in the FP range, the Aura 51 is designed for sailors who aspire to experience cruising with a capital C for comfort. It has cutting-edge electric propulsion technology developed exclusively by Fountaine Pajot and ODSeaLab with 2 x 25 kW motors, 2×32 kWh batteries, hydrogeneration and up to 2,000 w generated by integrated solar panels. All on-board production and energy expenditure flows are managed from a single console with a simple, designer user experience. The system gives priority to the use of renewable energies at all times.
Retrofitted / Customized / DIY Electric Boats
Vital Spark – Paul Sparrow V3
Paul Sparrow • Scotland/UK
PlusZero is a company unlocking the full promise of renewable energy, using surplus electricity produced by local renewable wind power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. Vital Spark is a unique front steer 3 point hydrofoil. Designed for sharp fast turns the foil system offers incredible efficiency through the water. Powered by a 6kw electric motor linked to a small battery and a 5Kw I.E. fuel cell stack with the hydrogen stored at low pressure in a compact and energy dense solid state metal hydride canister (Ab5). The hull is designed for speeds up to 50 knots.
Electric Workboats
EF-12 Workboat
Artemis Technologies • UK
The world’s first 100% electric foiling commercial workboat, this multipurpose workboat provides a solution for ports and harbors to help decarbonize their operations. Carrying 6 passengers with a top speed of 31 kt, cruising speed of 25 kt and foiling range of 55 nM, it produces zero emissions in operation, requires minimal servicing in contrast to conventional diesel engines and provides a more sustainable way to operate efficiently without contributing to air pollution in busy waterways. With ultra-fast charging capability, a full charge can be achieved in less than 60 minutes, allowing for seamless and uninterrupted journeys.
Electric Commercial Passenger Vessels: In Operation
hyke Shuttle 0001
hyke (Hydrolift Smart-City Ferries) • Norway
Hyke has launched a new passenger shuttle service in the city of Fredrikstad in Østfold county in eastern Norway. The 10 tonne 15-metre-long and 5.7-metre-wide vessel has a power output of between 60 kW and 150 kW, depending on the version. The batteries have gross capacities of between 95 kWh and 285 kWh. It is equipped with solar panels on the roof and can be automatically charged wirelessly. Maximum speed is 15 knots (28 km/h), and energy consumption is ten to twelve kWh per hour at a speed of six knots.
Electric Commercial Passenger Vessels: In Development
Wada Hoppah 58
Wada Hoppah • USA
Inland, clean marine transportation at its finest. Wakeless, shallow draft (17″), all electric with solar panels, hold forty+ passengers. Made for rivers, shallow harbors and inland water ways, this gorgeous, wakeless, electric water shuttle was made to remake those waterways with limited dredging, variable shallow depths, low bridges, and lots of pleasure boating marine activity that can’t be waked, like rowers, kayakers, or paddleboarders. Perfect for coastal cities with major river waterways that want electric commuting. Also for those with worsening flooding issues as Wada Hoppah can double as a large passenger rescue vessel with its ability to get 10 miles with forty occupants in water as low as 17″.