GoKawiilVessev demos electric hydrofoil ferry VS-9 in New York harbor
Vessev, a startup building electric hydrofoil ferries, gave TechCrunch a ride on its VS-9 vessel from Brooklyn Marina toward Governors Island. The roughly 30-foot catamaran uses computer-controlled underwater foils, with about 80% of the lift from a front foil and 20% from a rear foil that also houses the electric motor Vessev builds in-house; batteries are sourced externally.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
By lifting the hull above the water, hydrofoil designs can reduce drag and improve energy efficiency, which matters more for electric boats since every kilowatt-hour affects range. Building the motor in-house, as CEO Eric Laakmann described, suggests the company is trying to control costs early rather than scale outsourcing later, which could shape its path to commercial production.
- Vessev's VS-9 is an electric hydrofoil ferry tested on New York's East River.
- The boat uses front and rear underwater foils, with the rear housing an in-house-built electric motor.
- Hydrofoil lift can improve efficiency, a key factor for battery-powered marine vessels.
Source: techcrunch.com — Tim De Chant, 2026-10-03
Published there as: “Vessev built an electric ferry that almost flies”
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