International Boat Industry: Car-toppable electric PWC
The Swedish startup Roxen Innovations has made a lightweight electric PWC by combining a jetski with a RIB, but in an affordable and ‘car toppable’ package
Personal Watercraft (PWCs) are a popular way to get afloat, and whilst relatively easy to store at home, they are also quite heavy. They usually need a road trailer to transport them around, complete with the necessary regulation compliance and associated servicing issues. However, by combining ultra-lightweight composites with a powerful and compact electric motor, the Swedish start-up Roxen Innovations has developed a 57kg (125lb) PWC that can be lifted onto a car roof rack. - IBInews.com
To save further weight during transport, the 33kg (72lb) battery pack is detachable, and is carried as a modular unit inside the vehicle. It can be swapped out with a spare for extended activities afloat.
Roxen Innovations was founded in 2021 in Sweden by three entrepreneurs, with the focus on developing lightweight and sustainable electric watercraft. The PWC carries two removable tubes each side of an equally lightweight 2.49m(l) x 1.25m(w) hull, with the superstructure kept to a minimum to avoid unnecessary use of material. Even the handlebars are basic ‘bicycle’ types. The first prototype was tested in 2023, and the company says it exceeded expectations. - IBInews.com
Power comes from a 22kW (30hp) electric motor powering a waterjet, giving a top speed of 30 knots. Cruising speed is between 15-20 knots, with the 5.5kWh swappable battery providing about 75 minutes of normal use. Range is between 15-20nm, with a recharge time of between 2-3 hours from a standard 240V outlet. Whilst simple in design, the Roxen still has built-in connectivity with 4G and built-in GPS, allowing trips and performance to be archived and analysed. Over the air updates and diagnostics are also available, the idea being that this type of tech – including geofencing – makes the PWC ideal for the low-cost rental market.
In 2024, the Roxen made its debut at Sweden’s largest boat show, where it won the Innovation of the Year Award. The first production run is reported to be sold out, and the company is now scaling up to deliver 200 units throughout 2026. Investors are being sought to take the Roxen project forward with a range of new concepts along a similar theme. The price for the Roxen is €17,900 ex VAT with a €990 reservation deposit. - IBInews.com
