GM builds an electric party boat, the First of its name
The Forward Marine First taps into the Holden Volt spare parts bin to provide emissions-free transport on waterGeneral Motors has unveiled the Forward Marine First, a party boat that takes the technology used for Holden’s first-ever petrol-electric hybrid car and wraps it in water wings.
However, the 24-foot side console pontoon boat unveiled at the Miami International Boat Show over the weekend only borrows the 60kWh battery pack and 150kW electric motor developed for the Holden Volt, and not its onboard range-extending electric generator, to provide an emissions-free experience using only electrons as the fuel.
The boat on show at Miami features see-through flooring that highlights the boat’s battery bank and inverter mounted forward in the pontoon boat’s hull, helping to push more weight forward.
Behind it, an electric motor that is also shared with the all-electric Chevrolet Bolt hatchback sends its power through to a Volvo Penta stern leg that features counter-rotating propellers.
The boat is set up for partying, with a side console driving position and a large U-shaped lounge built around the bow. Overhead, a narrow canopy provides something solid to hang sunshades off, we think.
According to GM, the pontoon boat – designed and built in-house rather than patched into an existing hull – is capable of reaching a top speed of about 30km/h. Slow down to less than 10km/h over the water, or the equivalent of a brisk jog on dry land, and the square-decked First is capable of about 10 hours of battery life.
The boat is made from lightweight aluminium, which is sort of lost when you consider the electric drive system weighs more than 500kg, or about a couple of passengers more than a conventional in-board engine.
GM said the battery could be adapted to work with a 240 volt charging system, meaning if it ever becomes a commercial reality, the First could sell in Australia.
Pricing? Well, GM has already hinted that if the First electric pontoon boat becomes a commercial reality, it will need to compete at the higher end of the market because of the cost of the technology that propels it.
The big advantage for owners, though, will be the lack of emissions as it kicks into party mode, and the performance coming from the big serve of low-down torque that makes the technology so attractive in road-going cars.
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