Almost every mode of transportation is transforming itself into electric. The watercraft segment has also reported its participation in the electrification of the motors. Focusing on the future demand electrically driven autos will be widely used due to its zero hazardous emission, no fuel cost, and high performance in terms of power output. The water based transportation vehicles are also adopting the electric technology to drive their vehicles.
Start up named as Free Form Factory that is based in Sacramento in association with Zero Motorcycles—an electric motorcycle maker developed the first electric stand-up personal watercraft.
The watercraft developed is named as Gratis X1 which is pretty much expensive than the conventional model. But price doesn’t matter when technology is flourishing with new colors. Looking at the advantage it will directly impact the gas power system which will majorly reduce the operating cost.
The startup has also developed an advanced polymer material named as ‘HULKLITE’. It has been assembled at the hull and deck. This special material has significantly reduced the weight of the watercraft and brought down the weight to 320lbs.
In the whole design of Gratis X1, only thing which attracts the attention is its Z-Force technology that comes from the Zero Motorcycles. The watercraft is powered by the ZF 6.5 kWh Li-Ion Intelligent Liquid Cooled Power Pack which drives the ZF 75-5 Permanent Magnet Brushless Liquid Cooled Motor, the similar mechanism that we see in the basic Zero motorcycles. The motor produces 46 horse power that can allows the run time of 30-45 minutes. The top speed recorded 40knots (46 mph – 74 km/h) which can be assumed as superfast in water.
Gratis X1 has an advantage that it can also operate on lakes and river where gas powered watercrafts cannot function. It is electric based vehicles that don’t give out emission and its silent operator, just like other e-vehicles.
Company plans to sell only 35 units with price tag of $17,990.