The X Shore electric Eelex 8000 offers a 126-kWh battery and up to 100 nautical miles range.
Electric boating
The marine industry is also shifting toward sustainable products. The interest in electric boats is fueled by environmental concerns, improving battery technologies and stricter emissions regulations.
Manufacturers are investing in next-generation electric propulsion, with some OEMs not only electrifying existing models but redesigning vessels around electric propulsion.
Companies like Pollentia, Candela, Arc, X Shore, Yamaha, Brunswick and Volvo Penta are developing hydrofoiling vessels, high-performance electric wake boats, solar-electric yachts and electric and hybrid engines.
While electric propulsion currently works for smaller boats, seen as Mercury’ s electric outboard Avator lineup continues to expand, consumers still express concerns over range, charging infrastructure, battery longevity, redundancy at sea and higher costs.
Despite these hurdles, over 100 manufacturers are actively developing solutions, and Europe currently leads the global electric boat market share due to supportive regulations.
Sustainable fuels could also significantly reduce emissions from the current fleet of ICE-powered boats, but demand remains low and widespread adoption would require a major distribution network across thousands of marinas. Hydrogen, also an emerging power source, faces infrastructure barriers as well.
OEMs noted that every alternative comes with its own infrastructure hurdles and environmental trade-offs. As research continues, manufacturers expect a multi-technology future, with each propulsion type suited to specific use cases as support systems evolve.
In a study conducted by EPG Specialty Information, we asked survey respondents why they are interested in owning an electric boat. Leisure and relaxation were the number one reasons, followed by environmental friendliness, lifestyle aspiration, quiet operation and watersports enjoyment.
Benefits like lower operating costs, instant torque and advanced technology were secondary drivers.
Dealer sentiment
Dealers across North America have made it clear that the market is slower, buyers lack urgency and inventory levels need to be healthy. From adding demo days and community events to their calendars to refining operations and marketing, dealers are building demand instead of waiting for it.
14 november / december 2025 www. boatingindustry. com