SeaBubbles electric water taxi testing the waters

French startup SeaBubbles is testing an all-electric hydrofoil water taxi on Lake Geneva in Switzerland.

Seabubbles’ 20kWh battery boat with two 10KW electric motors can obtain good speed and reduced drag by lifting the hull out of the water, but it is facing some obstacles – see EVtalk February 26.

The company aims to offer a water taxi service in cities near rivers and lakes, such as around Paris on the river Seine.

But speed restrictions apply on many rivers and lakes Seabubbles wants to use, although the boat needs speed to get up on its hydrofoils.

Delays hit the company’s Paris venture. However, Seabubbles has returned to testing in that area and could offer the taxi service next year, Electrek reports.

Its latest prototype is being tested at Lake Geneva, but concerns centre around whether shore-line docks are needed for the electric boats and if the venture will lead to greatly increased water traffic.