Riva's first electric boat prototype was unveiled in September in Monaco
Once a year, Ferretti Group invites yacht owners and close friends to enjoy a sneak peek of its upcoming models and new innovations at an invite-only event known as the ‘Private Preview’. The exclusive showcase takes places at the prestigious Yacht Club de Monaco just ahead of the Riviera’s Cannes and Monaco yacht shows, and this year it was the setting for the unveiling of Riva’s first-ever electric boat prototype – a project that CEO Alberto Galassi alluded to when we spoke about the future of the group earlier this year.
The sophisticated 27-foot runabout, named El-Iseo, is an electric version of the iconic brand’s much-loved Iseo model. Created to celebrate the shipyard’s 180th anniversary, the prototype combines Riva’s rich heritage with the group’s passion for innovation and sustainability.
She’s powered by a Parker GVM310 electric engine, giving her excellent speed and performance. Future owners can enjoy a cruising speed of 25 knots and a top speed of 40 knots – interestingly, the acceleration curve is said to be “significantly steeper” than similar such combustion engine boats. Green and speedy – sign us up.
“El-Iseo is a glorious new chapter in the challenge that only Riva can experience every day, that of combining its legendary history with cutting-edge technology to generate beauty and style that will never go out of fashion,” said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi.
“The El-Iseo project is extremely important to us, which is why we decided to preview it here at the Monaco Yacht Club, a natural choice for Riva as it’s a place where ecological sensibility has been at work for years, with virtuous practices and concrete initiatives like the Sea Index®, the Monaco Smart & Sustainable Rendezvous and the Energy Boat Challenge.
“Now 180 years old, Riva is still leading the field with the credibility and visionary force that only a contemporary legend can draw on.”
El-Iseo was designed in collaboration with a number of partners who are leaders in their fields – the engine was supplied by Parker Hannifin, the lithium battery pack by Podium Advanced Technologies, and the onboard systems by Xenta.
The brand describes her as the “perfect expression of Riva’s essence: on one hand, deep respect for the tradition of a brand that has helped to write the history of Italian boatbuilding and, on the other, that constant drive towards perfection and ongoing research into innovation using the latest technologies.”
Further details, including launch dates, are to follow.
