Technology
Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 3:26 pm EDT
Key Points
- Arc Boat Company launches its second electric boat model, the $258,000 Arc Sport, designed for wake sports enthusiasts, following the earlier Arc One luxury cruiser.
- The 23-foot Arc Sport, capable of carrying up to 15 people, features a large battery with 4 to 6 hours of power and a top speed of 40 miles per hour, competing with high-end models from traditional boat makers.
- Arc is among several startups aiming to electrify boating, addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional fuel-burning boats, with co-founder Mitch Lee aiming for a “better boating experience” and leveraging expertise from veterans of companies like Tesla and Rivian.
Arc Boat Company introduced its latest electric boat model, the Arc Sport, aimed at wake sports enthusiasts, marking its second offering in just three years following the limited-edition luxury cruiser, Arc One. While Arc produced fewer than twenty Arc One boats, it anticipates continuous production for the new model, which made its debut this week. The 23-foot Arc Sport, priced at $258,000, accommodates up to fifteen passengers and features a large battery capable of powering the boat for 4 to 6 hours, reaching speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Positioned in the high-end segment, the Arc Sport competes with established boat manufacturers like Nautique, MasterCraft, and Malibu. Arc is among several startups, including Pure Watercraft and X Shore, striving to revolutionize boating by transitioning to electric propulsion, addressing environmental concerns such as noise pollution, smog, and water pollution associated with traditional fuel-burning boats. Co-founded by Mitch Lee and former SpaceX engineer Ryan Cook, Arc aims to enhance the boating experience while minimizing negative environmental impacts. The company’s leadership team comprises individuals with experience in boating, automotive, and transportation sectors, lending credibility to its designs and technology. Arc secured approximately $110 million in early-stage funding from celebrity angel investors, venture capital firms, and notable figures like NBA players Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, and actor Will Smith. Leveraging the established electric vehicle supply chain, Arc accelerated its development process, benefitting from ready-made components rather than creating them from scratch. With plans to commence deliveries of the Arc Sport later this year, Arc demonstrates a commitment to advancing electric boating technology and providing sustainable alternatives to traditional marine propulsion systems.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/21/ev-boat-maker-arc-debuts-a-premium-wake-sport-model-for-258000.html
