Canadian Company ENVGO Leads Electric Hydrofoil Development in North America

Dec 17, 2024

By Mathew Channer

Canadian Company ENVGO is revolutionizing electric boating in North America with the ENVGO NV1, a cutting-edge electric hydrofoil cruiser that is scheduled for release in 2026.

NV1 utilizes state-of-the-art hydrofoil technology to significantly increase the power and range of its electric motor by reducing drag through the water. While electric boating technology is advancing, electric boats typically have either very short range or very low speeds. ENVGO Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer Paul Masojc believes that the electric boating market is ready for new innovation.

“It takes 10 times as much energy to move a boat through the water as it does a car,” he said. “So we lift the hull out of the water, and when you do that you’re no longer creating drag and you improve performance by approximately 4 times. So now you have the performance of an electric boat that gives you all the sustainability benefits.”

And sustainability is just the beginning. ENVGO Co-Founder and VP of Business Development and Partnerships Pete Keller says that as well as reducing emissions NV1 transforms the boating experience.

“NV1 provides boaters with the highly exhilarating experience of flying over water, versus pounding through it. No wake, low noise, and no emissions. These attributes also minimize disruptions to others on the water and shoreline, allowing the tranquility of cottage country to be restored. It’s the best of both worlds,” he said.

While NV1 is the company’s first marine vessel, ENVGO’s staff are experienced in engineering and design in the aerospace market. Before ENVGO, company founder Mike Peasgood founded and operated Aeryon Labs, which successfully designed and built early-model drones for government and military clients. Now, ENVGO is implementing and adapting aerospace technologies for NV1. 

“We started with a 3-foot remote-control prototype, and we’ve now built a commercial prototype, which we’ve actively testing on-water,” Masojc said. “We’re planning by next spring to be testing in market, doing customer demonstrations and taking people out for boat rides so they can also experience smooth flight over water.”

While electric hydrofoil technology is further established in the European market, the North American market has been slower to implement the technology.

“There are a lot of opportunities here to build something specific for the Canadian and North American market,” Masojc said.

Keller says that increased adoption of electric cars shows that the North American market is ready for electric hydrofoil vessels.

“The industry will continue to progress rapidly because people are turning the page on  environmental responsibility,” he said. “People now understand the benefits and the experience of electric.”

For more information, visit https://www.envgo.com/