The trend toward electrifying yachts is accelerating and will bring huge benefits to charterers, including lower cost, less pollution, and quieter cruising
If you’ve been around boats, you know the sound and smell of diesel engines. They are almost synonymous with yachting. But while diesel engines and generators are currently the norm, electification is beginning to change the yachting industry for the benefit of us all.
Electrification is no longer a niche idea. From hybrid propulsion systems to fully electric yachts, nearly all yacht manufacturers are actively developing electrified yachts. This is in response to dramatic technology and cost improvements and the acknowledgement that electification will bring huge benefits to yachting: lower cost, less pollution, reduced noise and vibration, and more torque when needed. And, importantly, you can now cruise quietly and avoid hearing the roar of generators all night if you want air conditioning!
What Is Yacht Electrification?
Yacht electrification refers to electric propulsion and onboard energy systems (including solar panels and battery packs) that ultimately will replace traditional diesel engines and generators. This can take several forms:
- Hybrid yachts use diesel generators to drive electric propulsion motors, often complemented by solar panels and battery storage. This setup allows for fully emissions-free operation within battery range, while still offering the extended cruising capability of a traditional diesel yacht. Electric motors also deliver instant torque, improving maneuverability, particularly at low speeds and in tight marinas.
- Fully-electric yachts, powered entirely by batteries, solar, and wind. Technically, some fully electric yachts can cruise forever without using a drop of diesel.
- Electric onboard systems, such as air conditioning, hair dryers, and other onboard electronics that are powered by batteries and renewable sources, as opposed to diesel generators
All of these reduce fuel consumption, emissions, noise, and operating costs while improving the onboard experience.
One of the most immediate benefits of electric propulsion is silence.
Electric motors provide:
- Near-noiseless cruising
- Reduced vibration
- A more peaceful onboard environment
Guests notice the difference instantly, as they can speak normally and hear nature while cruising. It also provides benefits at anchor, where generator noise has long been a key issue aboard traditional yachts. You can again hear the gentle sound of water lapping against the boat while sleeping in your cool cabin!
The Current Status of Yacht Electrification
While electrification is advancing quickly, the industry is still in its early stages. Market Reports World reports that in 2024, about 18% of newly chartered yachts were electric or hybrid-powered, up from 11% in 2022. While we don’t have data yet for 2025, our visits to yacht shows, such as the Monaco Yacht Show, make it clear that the industry is moving quickly in this direction, for all of the benefits mentioned above.
At present, most electric yachts are hybrids. This reflects the reality of current battery limitations, especially for long-range cruising. Battery technology is advancing rapidly, however, and solid-state batteries are just around the corner and expected to be in mass production in 2027. These batteries will double the range of electric yachts, improve charging time, and greatly reduce the risk of fire. Look for many more electric yachts when solid-state batteries are plentiful.
Fully Electric Yachts Are Available NOW
Boatbookings features several all-electric charter yachts, including SILENT DREAM and 100% from the industry-leading Silent Yachts line. Sunreef Yachts, renowned for its luxury sailing and power catamarans, has launched its innovative ECO series, which can cruise without diesel thanks to solar panels seamlessly built into much of the yacht’s exterior, paired with electric motors and large battery storage. Voyage Yachting also offers fully electrified catamarans, including the sleek Voyage Electric 480.
Soel Yachts also offers an all-electric power catamaran, and superyacht leaders, including Benetti Group and Lurssen, offer hybrid propulsion options that provide fully-electric operation when needed. Electrification is impacting all types of yachts, and new options are arising, including hydrofoils, that cruise with incredible smoothness. Please see our selection of electric yachts available for charter here.
What This Means for Yacht Charter Clients
For charter guests, electrification brings a new kind of luxury:
- Cleaner, quieter cruising
- Silent nights at anchor
- A modern, forward-thinking yachting experience
- Lower fuel costs
As more hybrid and electric yachts enter our charter fleet, sustainability will become an increasingly visible part of luxury charters.
Think Electric for your next charter!
Boatbookings is proud to be a leader in sustainable yachting since our founding in 2006! We have a wide variety of electrified yachts available for charter, and we will be happy to recommend the right one for your next charter. Please contact us to find the electric yacht that’s right for your needs.