Italian luxury automaker Maserati has entered the marine world with a groundbreaking collaboration, unveiling the Tridente—a 34-foot all-electric powerboat. Designed to defy the common perception that electric boats are slow and cumbersome, the Tridente combines speed, efficiency, and eco-friendliness in a sleek, buoyant package. Capable of carrying eight passengers, this tender boat can travel up to 43 miles on a single charge, reaching speeds between 25 and 40 knots (approximately 28-46 mph).
Constructed with a lightweight carbon fiber hull, the Tridente was developed in partnership with American boat builder Hodgdon Yachts and tech firm Vita Power, which supplied the software and hardware for its dual motors. These motors deliver a combined output of 600 horsepower, ensuring robust performance while drastically reducing noise and emissions compared to traditional gas-powered boats. The boat’s propulsion system also supports high-speed DC charging, enabling the Tridente to recharge up to 90% in less than an hour.
The Tridente is part of a broader trend toward electrification in the marine industry, driven by companies like Vita Power, which emphasizes the environmental benefits of electric boats. According to Vita Power, electric boats eliminate CO2 emissions and the negative impacts of engine noise, fuel slicks, and bilge water on marine ecosystems. Maserati’s design head, Klaus Busse, highlighted the shared vision of both companies in creating high-tech, sustainable vehicles with minimal environmental impact and superior customer experiences.
While electric boats are still rare, they are gaining traction as technology and energy companies explore new ways to power watercraft, including battery and solar power. Innovations such as using surplus energy from companion ships for charging are making electric boats more viable. However, the Tridente, priced at around $2.6 million and taking 10 months to build, is currently reserved for the super-rich.
Beyond its foray into boating, Maserati is committed to electrifying its entire vehicle lineup by 2028. The Tridente aligns with this goal, following the launch of the GranCabrio Folgore, Maserati’s all-electric luxury convertible. The GranCabrio, with its 233-mile range and sub-three-second 0-60 mph acceleration, exemplifies Maserati’s dedication to high-performance electric vehicles.
The Tridente represents a significant step forward in the electrification of luxury transportation, both on land and water. As technology advances and infrastructure improves, the innovations seen in high-end models like the Tridente could eventually become more accessible to a broader audience, heralding a cleaner, quieter future for maritime travel.
Elizabeth Puckett