Boats usually push through waves, but a new kind of electric boat flies smoothly above them. In New York Harbor, a small white boat made by the company Vessev recently surprised passengers on nearby sightseeing ferries. As the vessel accelerated, special underwater wings called hydrofoils pushed the hull about a foot and a half above the water, turning a bumpy ride into a smooth glide.
Water creates strong resistance, or drag, which slows boats down. Moving a heavy vessel through water requires a lot of energy. This resistance is a major challenge for electric boats because batteries are heavy and expensive. By lifting the hull out of the water, Vessev says its hydrofoil design cuts drag by about 66 percent. This efficiency allows the boat to use smaller battery packs, saving both weight and money.
The technology is already moving beyond test rides. Vessev operates passenger services in New Zealand and plans to expand to Australia and Lake Tahoe in the United States. Other companies are seeing success as well. In Stockholm, commuters already travel on electric hydrofoil ferries built by the Swedish company Candela, which says its design can reduce energy use by up to 80 percent. Norway has also ordered 20 of Candela's vessels for coastal routes.
Most passenger ferries today run on diesel fuel, creating air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. While electric ferries cost more to buy initially, operators can save money over time on fuel and maintenance. Company leaders hope that quieter, cleaner hydrofoil boats will soon become a routine part of daily public transit, connecting waterfront communities just like buses or subways.