Electric Yachts in Europe: The Complete Overview

What is an electric yacht?

An electric yacht replaces the diesel or petrol engine found on a conventional boat with an electric motor powered by an onboard battery pack, charged from shore power like an electric car. A smaller number of "hybrid-electric" models pair a combustion engine or generator with an electric drivetrain, offering silent, zero-emission running at low speed with a combustion range-extender for longer trips.

Why interest is growing

A mix of factors is pushing electric propulsion onto the water: tightening emissions rules in some European harbours and lakes, a growing number of electric-only marinas and no-wake zones, and the simple appeal of a boat that runs near-silently with no exhaust fumes. Charging infrastructure at marinas is still catching up to demand, which is one of the biggest practical considerations for a first-time buyer — see our buyer's guide.

Who's building them

The market splits into two groups. Electric-only builders — companies like Candela, ARC Boats, X Shore, and Vita Power — were founded specifically around electric propulsion and design their hulls, hydrofoils, and battery systems around it from the start. Mixed manufacturers — established combustion-boat builders such as Frauscher, Sunreef, Riva, and Axopar — have added one or more electric models to an otherwise conventional range, often as a flagship or halo model rather than their volume product.

What's available

Electric yachts on the market today span day boats and tenders (the largest category, generally under 10m), sport boats and RIBs built for performance, larger cruisers and catamarans with liveaboard accommodation, and a small number of ultra-luxury flagship models. Prices range from roughly €90,000 for an entry-level day boat to several million euros for the largest catamarans and cruisers.

Range and charging, realistically

Electric range is the single biggest difference from a combustion boat, and it varies enormously with speed: most electric yachts get dramatically more range at a gentle cruising speed (often 5-8 knots) than at top speed, sometimes by a factor of 3-4x. When comparing models, look at the range figure's stated speed, not just the headline number.

Explore the data

This site tracks the manufacturers and models in this market with verified specifications. Browse all manufacturers, all models, or use the comparison tool to put two or more boats side by side.