US-based electric boating media company Aqua Lectric has mapped the geographical distribution of electric boat companies across the world and finds Europe to be the “epicentre”.
Using research gathered from its existing database, boat and trade shows, online, and word of mouth, Aqua Lectric has plotted close to one hundred electric boat companies globally to inform consumers of clean boating alternatives within their region and facilitate industry partnerships that take the sector forward.
The company found that every coastal country in Europe contains at least one company producing electric boats or propulsion systems and points to the continent’s political incentives and cultural preferences as a reason why it’s ahead.
“Europe is very climate focused and that has resulted in decarbonization goals across all sectors, including the marine industry,” Aqua Lectric Founder Justin Dalinger told Zag Daily.
“A number of regions have already taken initiatives to ban combustion engine boats, such as Amsterdam in April 2025 and certain Austrian lakes in July and August. Most likely many companies are anticipating more bans and rising to meet the coming demand for clean electric boats.”
Justin said that whilst range has proven to be an obstacle for electric boats, new battery technologies with higher energy densities are entering the scene with efficient hull technologies such as hydrofoils becoming popular.
Last year, the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry developed by Candela began operating in the Swedish capital of Stockholm.
Where range isn’t an issue, such as in lakes in the Alps region, Justin believes electric boating offers a better experience due to less noise, no fumes or the smell of petrol, and fewer difficulties for boaters at the fuel dock.
“Boaters there, especially if they keep their electric boat in a boat house, can simply unplug their boat like they would their phone, start their boating day, and plug it back in when they return.”
Justin highlights the UK, Netherlands, Sweden, France and Slovenia as countries that are excelling in electric boating. However, if he had to single out just one country as Europe’s shining star, then it’s Austria.
“One Austrian based company, Frauscher, has been continuously building electric boats since the 1950s. Another company, Marian, has been exclusively building electric boats since 2000.
“That was long before any kind of political pressure, and it just shows that electric boats have been in demand for their benefits – the lack of noise, lack of smell, and lack of emissions which keep their mountain lakes pristine.”
Aqua Lectric hopes for its map to complement industry data and graphs and give a deeper understanding of where electric boating is thriving, as well as support investors in deciding where to direct their resources.
“I think the information out there on the electric boating industry is very sparse, and the information that does exist isn’t very good. I believe the best way to serve and grow the industry is by providing clear and accurate information on what products are actually out there, what their capabilities are, and what the underlying technology is so that consumers can make good and informed decisions.”
