Vessev built an electric ferry that almost flies
By Pradhyuman,
Vessev developed an electric hydrofoil ferry named the VS-9. The 30-foot vessel uses two underwater wings to lift its hull out of the water. Vessev co-founder and CEO Eric Laakmann stated that the front foil handles about 80 percent of the lift, while the rear foil handles 20 percent. The rear foil contains an electric motor built in-house by Vessev, while the company buys off-the-shelf batteries.
The VS-9 travels up to 40 nautical miles with a full passenger load and charges with standard electric vehicle chargers. Its foils raise to navigate waters as shallow as 0.75 meters. Vessev raised a $19 million Series A round in August. Laakmann said the company targets urban mass transit operators, hotels, and tour companies. Vessev plans to build more vessels and may sell hydrofoil kits to external boatbuilders in the future.
Maintained by Pradhyuman.
Filed under: Funding & Business