Electric propulsion will have a visible presence when the Auckland Boat Show opens on 5 March 2026, with a dedicated group of exhibitors bringing a range of systems and watercraft to the event. Across the country, a growing number of small boat owners are turning their attention to electric alternatives to conventional fossil-fuel power. The reasons vary: some are drawn by lower running and maintenance costs, others by the appeal of quiet operation, immediate torque response, and the absence of exhaust emissions out on the water.
The show's electric exhibitors will cover propulsion systems as well as electrically powered water toys, and while the total count is modest beside the scale of electric displays seen at events such as boot Düsseldorf, the local development on show is good to see.
Two names that won't appear on the exhibitor list this year are Candela and Vessev. Vessev recently introduced the Vessev VS-9 Skye, aimed at the recreational day boat market, and both Vessev and Candela continue to expand their presence in electric tourism and group travel around the world. Their absence clears the way to look closely at the companies that will be present, whether outside on the water or inside the VEC.
ZeroJet is one of the more established names in this space. The Auckland-based company has been developing electric jet propulsion for vessels under six metres since 2019 and has since grown into a recognised supplier of these systems for tenders and small craft. At this year's show, ZeroJet will have two tenders on display: an AB Inflatables model fitted with ZeroJet power, and a new Southern Pacific Boats inflatable running the company's electric jet unit. For visitors, it will be the first chance to inspect either tender up close. ZeroJet can be found outside at OS22.
Awake Electric Jetboards and eFoils will bring its lineup of high-performance electric watercraft to outside stand OS17. The range includes the VINGA Adventure, the VINGA Ultimate eFoil models, and the RÄVIK jetboard models. Combining electric acceleration with near-silent running, these products are pitched at the premium end of the water sports market and at the superyacht tender segment.
Naut, a Whangārei-based technology company that has been operating since 2021, designs and builds high-performance electric propulsion systems for both recreational and commercial use. The 2026 Auckland Boat Show marks a significant moment for the company: it will present its first market-ready, fully electric boat package. The vessel Ngaru, powered by Naut's integrated propulsion and battery system, has been commissioned specifically to demonstrate what the package can deliver, including instant torque, reduced noise, and zero emissions. This launch represents a meaningful commercial milestone as Naut moves from system development to complete boat integration. Ngaru will be moored on the water at Marina M46.
Evocean Electric Power and Propulsion is an Auckland-based company specialising in premium electric outboard motors, notably ePropulsion, and broader electric boat solutions, with a focus on tenders, sailboats, and small craft. The centrepiece at the 2026 show will be the ePropulsion Spirit 2, which arrived with Evocean in late 2025. Rated at 2kW and approximately equivalent to a 6hp petrol outboard, the unit is designed for dinghies, tenders, and small trailer boats. Evocean will be inside the VEC on the Ground Floor at Stand 107.
Boatgear Marine Wholesale, formerly Tenob Wholesale Marine, will exhibit a range of marine technology products. The company represents TEMO, the French electric propulsion manufacturer whose lightweight electric outboards are built for small tenders and auxiliary applications, providing an alternative to traditional small-capacity petrol engines. Boatgear Marine Wholesale will be at VEC Ground Floor, Stand 124.
Electric boating in New Zealand remains a developing segment, but the exhibitors confirmed for this year's Auckland Boat Show represent a solid cross-section of what is available, from propulsion systems and integrated electric packages through to purpose-built watercraft.
