Inside bizarre world-first electric FLYING boat SeaBubble as it makes debut
THE WORLD'S first-ever hydrogen electric flying boat has just been unveiled in Cannes, France.
French startup SeaBubbles developed the floating vessel, which is appropriately dubbed the SeaBubble.
The SeaBubble was revealed in all its glory at the 2022 Cannes Yacht Show, New Atlas reported.
It features a pod-shaped design and measures 26.2 by 11.5 feet with a seating capacity of between eight and twelve passengers.
Two 45-kW motors propel the boat, which is powered by both hydrogen fuel cells and a lithium-ion battery pack.
To activate its 'floating' feature, the boat utilizes three carbon fiber foils that are deployed once its composite fiber hull is raised 24 inches above the water.
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This happens automatically when the craft reaches a speed of 10 knots (12 mph).
Once the vessel is 'flying' it can smoothly cruise over the water at a speed of 18 knots (21 mph).
A 4-minute charge at a hydrogen gas station can power the boat for 2.5 hours at speeds of 18 knots.
At its fastest, the vessel can cruise at speeds of 22 knots – or 25 mph.
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SeaBubble can automatically stabilize itself by using gyroscopic and altitude sensors to measure pitch and roll angles.
Other features include heating and air conditioning, an audio system, comfortable seats, an anti-fouling system, and tinted windows.
The first units are currently in production, though it's not clear at this time how much the vehicles will cost.
The boats of the future
A similar, all-electric boat was recently developed by Swedish company Candela.
The 28-footer, dubbed the C-8, uses zero fossil fuels and also comes equipped with a next-generation hydrofoil system.
Utilizing sensors and avionics, the system's retractable foils and electric motor extends when the boat reaches a certain speed, like the SeaBubble.
This process not only allows for 80 percent less drag and more speed than standard speedboats but also for a noiseless and exceptionally smooth ride.
The C-8 is also incredibly energy-efficient.
"Conventional speedboats are actually some of the most energy-inefficient crafts on the planet," Candela communications manager Mikael Mahlberg told Cnet.
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"A conventional planing hull uses 15 times as much fuel per kilometer as a family car," they added.
The C-8 will set you back by around $322,000, although the vessel is reportedly 95 percent cheaper than boats that run on gasoline or diesel.