Project Summary

Electrified personal water craft offer organisations a sustainable, reliable solution to enable operatives to carry out their operations with a future proof, low noise, zero emission, safe propulsion solution. A turnkey/ bolt in eDrivetrain solution enables conversion of the latest personal water craft models available today, improving control, extending the overall operational life and reducing the product’s impact on the environment.

Project Achievements

Through the TRIG programme, ePWC Ltd successfully demonstrated the technical and operational feasibility of electrifying professional personal watercraft using a turnkey, bolt-in electric drivetrain. The project used a current-production Yamaha VX platform to collect baseline performance data, digitally scan and model the craft, and design an integrated electric propulsion architecture suitable for retrofit installation. Bench testing validated key aspects of the system including drivetrain integration, monitoring, safety considerations and operational performance.

Conclusions

The TRIG-funded project successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility and operational potential of electrifying professional personal watercraft through a turnkey, bolt-in electric drivetrain solution. By analysing a current-production PWC platform, capturing baseline performance data, and developing a digitally modelled integration concept, the project established a credible pathway for converting existing petrol-powered craft to zero-emission propulsion. The work confirmed that electrified PWCs could deliver meaningful benefits for professional operators, including reduced noise, lower maintenance requirements, improved reliability and alignment with growing environmental expectations. Importantly, the retrofit approach allows organisations to decarbonise existing fleets without the cost and waste associated with replacing entire vessels. The project provides a strong technical foundation for further development, including full prototype integration, extended operational trials and engagement with professional users such as search and rescue and harbour authorities. Overall, the TRIG programme has enabled the concept to progress from early-stage research to a validated and credible innovation pathway.

Next Steps

The next phase will focus on progressing the concept from research to a fully integrated operational prototype. This will include completing the physical installation of the electric drivetrain within the selected PWC platform and undertaking extended on-water testing to validate performance, endurance, thermal management and system reliability in real operating conditions. Further work will include weight reduction, installation optimisation and review of all ket componets. Engagement with potential end users—including search and rescue organisations, harbour authorities and other professional operators—will help refine operational requirements and ensure the solution meets real-world needs. In parallel, the project will explore regulatory considerations, manufacturability and pathways to commercialisation. These next steps will build on the technical evidence generated through the TRIG programme, moving the concept closer to a deployable zero-emission propulsion solution for professional personal watercraft operations.