New Electric Boat Impresses but Still Lacks Usable Range
If you thought the electrification race was limited to automobiles, think again. Electric boats are becoming increasingly popular as the world continues to emphasize environmental sustainability and zero emissions. An up-and-coming builder in North Carolina, Forza X1, recently unveiled an impressive electric boat. But it has one drawback: usable range.
Overview of the new Forza X1 electric boat
The F-22 center console is Forza X1’s first production model electric outboard. As the name implies, the boat measures 22 feet long. Its 8-foot-6-inch beam provides ample space and easy maneuverability. And its 20-degree deadrise adds to the vessel’s stability, ensuring a smooth ride even in challenging waters.
Additionally, this single-motor electric boat has a draft of 15 inches, allowing users to explore the shallows easily. It doesn’t disappoint in capacity and weight, either. Forza X1 designed the F-22 to accommodate a maximum load of 840 pounds or six people, making it an excellent choice for outings with family or friends.
Packing a 1,700-pound, 140-kWh dual-battery pack, the F-22 weighs 5,000 pounds. That’s a solid foundation for performance and stability without compromising the company’s eco-conscious ethos.
Furthermore, the electric boat’s storage boxes provide a generous 190 quarts of capacity, while the floor storage box has 135 quarts of room. They provide convenient space to stash equipment and personal items while limiting clutter.
Range is a limitation for the Forza X1 F-22 electric boat
Boating Mag ran the new Forza X1 F-22 to determine if it’s a daily-use boat. With four large male passengers onboard, the boat averaged the touted 180 hp and reached a top speed of 25 mph. The company claims the F-22 can reach 40 mph with one passenger and run for up to five hours.
However, the test revealed the electric boat averaged only 20 mph — about only 15 miles of range — between charges. That means boating enthusiasts looking for speed or range in the ocean might not get much use out of the Forza X1 F-22.
It offers three charging options with 6.6-kW, 11-kW, and 22-kW chargers. The F-22 takes 7.5 to 10 hours to charge at 11 kWh, but if time is an issue, users can reduce the charging time to four hours at 22 kWh.
Is the F-22 worth buying?
The decision of whether to buy an F-22 depends on its intended use. As of this writing, it’s unclear whether the company wants to sell this electric boat to individuals. Forza X1 doesn’t advertise pricing for the F-22 on its product page. However, Boating Mag reports the company plans to market the model to boat rental clubs.
It makes sense why that would be Forza X1’s first option because boaters in these clubs typcially stay close to shore for various reasons, including fishing. Often, the farthest these individuals go is to sandbars and then return to land for other leisure activities, such as a waterfront dining. Boating Mag notes these light activities are ideal for the F-22 because they don’t incur heavy mileage in a single day and won’t require a recharge.
However, if you’re craving an adventure on an electric boat, check out the Candela C-8 flying hydrofoil. Its hydrofoil system reduces water friction, making this craft faster and more efficient. It can also accommodate eight people, two more than the F-22. Additionally, the Candela C-8 can reach 35 mph once foilborne and takes about two hours to recharge. But like a luxury EV, this electric boat is pricey, starting at around $340,000.
