A boat that can drive or a car that can sail - wouldn't that be nice? It is now possible with the Sealegs from the New Zealand company of the same name. Recently there has also been a new electric-powered model, the Electric E4.
Like Sealegs' other amphibious craft, the E4 is an inflatable craft with a rigid hull that can also be driven on land. The boat can thus be driven in and out of the water wherever there is a beach or a shore. A crane or dock is no longer needed. Once the amphibious craft is in the water, the wheels are raised so that they do not interfere with the boat's movement.
For propulsion, the Electric E4 features a 150 hp outboard motor for movement across the water. The wheels are equipped with high-torque electric motors with a further choice of two- or three-wheel drive.
All motors are powered by a central 48 V lithium battery pack with a capacity of 7 kWh. This is supported by a regenerative braking system that reuses the energy released during braking. In addition, the battery also recharges with the power of the outboard motors when in use. The battery pack can be driven for about 1.5 hours.
The Electric E4 has a length of over 7 metres and is just over 2 1/2 metres wide. With a net weight of 1,390 kg, the amphibious craft can handle a maximum load of about 700 kg. Its top speed on land is 10 km/hour; on water, it reaches a speed of about 40 knots.
Also striking is the 24-inch touchscreen that presents all necessary information and controls important functions. The Sealegs E4 can accommodate up to eight people; a modest sun deck is provided at the rear.
Want to see the Electric E4 in action? The video below will give you a nice impression.
