General Motors isn’t afraid of the water as they’ve been supplying engines to the marine industry for more than a century.
However, the company is going electric and now their marine ambitions are following suit as the automaker has acquired a 25% stake in Seattle-based Pure Watercraft.
Pure Watercraft isn’t a household name, but they specialize in creating “all-electric boating solutions.” In particular, the firm offers a 34 hp (25 kW / 34 PS) electric outboard motor system that costs $16,500 and comes with an 8.85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack as well as the equipment to install it in everything from fishing to pontoon boats. The company has also partnered with Highfield Boats to offer turnkey electric models starting at $24,000.
Also Read: VW And Cupra Are Using Their MEB Electric Drive Tech On Yachts
While the conversion isn’t cheap, Pure Watercraft touts the quietness and eco-friendly nature of electric powertrains. There are also practical benefits including “zero maintenance” and no annual winterization.
Getting back to GM’s investment, the company said it’s part of their effort to “promote sustainability through an expansion of zero-emissions mobility for future generations and reflects the holistic approach necessary for widespread EV adoption.” The companies added they’ll work together to “develop and commercialize battery electric watercraft, integrating GM technology into a variety of applications, helping to accelerate the industry’s transition to electric mobility” while also leveraging the automaker’s engineering, supply chain and manufacturing capabilities.
This sounds like a win-win for Pure Watercraft and their CEO, Andy Rebele, stated “This joint effort with GM is expected to enable us to make significant technological advancements in range and charging, while achieving volume production.”
