VIVIC Yachts of Taiwan and ACEL Power of Canada have entered a Joint Development Agreement for electric yachts that brings together ACEL’s innovative electric propulsion technology with VIVIC’s boatyard expertise.

VIVIC will be responsible for yacht design and construction technology while ACEL is tasked with the research, development, production, and integration of the electric propulsion systems.

VIVIC first came onto the electric yacht scene in 2022 when it presented its 27 foot VVT model, equipped with the company’s own electric propulsion design, at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Service Trade Conference.

ACEL was founded a year earlier to develop and manufacture high powered electric propulsion systems fully integrated with their proprietary battery and monitoring/management software. They currently offer 50 and 75 hp (35 and 55 kW) electric outboard motors, and are working on a full range from 1 to 650 horsepower (.75 – 475 kW).

Read more about ACEL technology in Plugboats

The companies say this new collaboration allows them to bring their complementary strengths and technologies together to accelerate the development of electric yachts and foster innovation for new benchmarks in  performance, safety, and longevity.

VIVIC designs, produces, sells, operates, and services yachts in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. It specializes in catamarans for both personal use and tourism operators, with a line of models ranging from 12 to 18 metres (40 to 58 feet).

The catamaran design provides a perfect platform for large open living spaces, requires less propulsive energy than a monohull and a draft that allows the boats to navigate shallow and inland waters. When equipped with electric propulsion they are particularly suitable for environmentally sensitive and fossil-fuel restricted lake waters.

Three VIVIC models will immediately be available with electric propulsion – the EV1, EV2 and EV58 – with others to follow. The electrical backbone of the ACEL system will also power the house systems of the yachts.

The EV2 is the electric version of their 14 metre/45 foot VV2 model, with a spacious salon and galley area, fore and aft sunning decks and cabins in each of the pontoons.

The EV58 is a double deck catamaran with a beam of 8.4 metres/28 feet that can be outfitted as a personal leisure yacht but is also configured as a floating luxury business reception and event space with large outdoor lounge, dining and party areas, barbecues and water toys.

VIVIC President and CEO Tse-Ling Wang commented, “We are optimistic that this partnership with ACEL Power will enhance our competitiveness in the global market and provide fresh momentum for future growth.”

ACEL CEO and Co-founder Anthony Liu added, “This partnership with VIVIC represents a significant step forward in accelerating the adoption of electric propulsion in the luxury yacht market. Through advanced digitalization, we are creating a smart catamaran that enhances performance, efficiency, and the overall user experience. We are not only developing world-class electric yachts but also driving the industry toward a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future.”

Under the terms of the agreement VIVIC will handle the production, construction, sales, and after-sales services in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan while ACEL will manage sales and after-sales in all other areas and produce the electric propulsion systems. The first yacht delivery is scheduled for July 2025. 

ACEL Power   VIVIC Yachts

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