Swedish boat builder X Shore has been working towards more sustainable boat building since 2016. In America, that movement has seen the introduction of the 8-metre-long Eelex 8000. This 302-horsepower, 100% electric boat takes its name from its shape, which appears to be inspired by the natural shape of an electric eel.
Fully electric
Its modular layout makes the Eelex a kind of versatile electric SUV, capable of transporting mountain bikes, surfboards, kayaks and, of course, people across the water. Nice detail: the boat should only get better over time as X Shore uses so-called over-the-air updates to refine performance and expand autonomous capabilities.
X Shore introducing the Eelex at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. The 302-hp Eelex 8000 has a top speed of 35 knots (65 km/h) and a cruising speed of 25 knots (46 km/h). Below deck, 60 kWh lithium-ion batteries are fitted. Together, they provide a range of up to 161 km. With a supercharger, charging takes just one to two hours. Connected to the regular grid, charging takes around five to eight hours.
Sustainable and distinctive
Sustainability is not just about propulsion power - this is also evident in the X Shore's construction. Teak has been replaced by cork and fibre while recycled plastic has been incorporated into the hull.
The styling is distinguished by minimalist simplicity. The hull of the Eelex 8000 may not immediately remind you of long, sinuous eels as we know them but, according to X Shore, it is inspired by the South American electric eel.
The 'cockpit' of the Eelex 8000 is straight and slender, resembling a stage under the slim carbon-fibre roof. The driver stays informed via a 24" Garmin touchscreen. Cool boxes behind the cockpit keep drinks within easy reach, while integrated storage compartments in the bow protect charging equipment and other necessities. A swim ladder emerges from under the aft deck.
Distinctive feature of the Eelex deck is its modular design, which allows easy modification or removal of the furniture layout. The boat can thus be quickly adapted from relaxed boating to sporting endeavours (fishing or diving) or transporting passengers or equipment. The carbon fibre roof of the Eelex can carry bicycles, kayaks or canoes in the process.
Connected platform
Eelex's software platform is fully 'connected'. This means, for example, that the Eelex can be remotely activated with a Garmin smartwatch and features such as automatic overboard detection and remote security are standard. Engine and battery performance are also continuously analysed and optimised and improvements are made with the anonymised data and shared over-the-air.
