Finnish boatbuilder Elvene turned heads at Nice Boating Tomorrow (19 to 22 March 2026) with the debut of AMY, a solar electric vessel the company positions as one of the fastest solar electric boats currently in serial production.
Conceived and constructed in Finland, AMY makes the case that planing performance and genuine energy autonomy need not be mutually exclusive, offering a credible alternative to combustion-powered craft for private and commercial users alike. A 50 kW ARIES outboard electric drive, sourced from German manufacturer Molabo, gives the vessel a top speed of up to 30 knots.
At a cruising speed of 20 knots, AMY can cover approximately 35 nautical miles from its 45 kWh battery bank. Drop the pace below 5 knots and the boat's character shifts entirely. At those lower speeds, AMY enters what Elvene calls "solar sailing" mode, drawing power directly from an integrated solar array capable of generating between 800 and 1300 W. Given adequate sunlight, the boat becomes wholly self-sufficient, with effectively unlimited range at those gentle speeds.
Reliance on shore-based charging infrastructure has historically limited electric boat uptake, particularly in more remote locations. AMY's solar integration tackles that obstacle directly. Its low-voltage 48 V propulsion architecture also sidesteps many of the technical and safety requirements associated with high-voltage marine systems, making installation, servicing, and day-to-day handling considerably more straightforward.
Emil Finne, CEO of Elvene, was unambiguous about what the vessel represents: "This boat demonstrates that solar electric propulsion is no longer limited to slow displacement speeds. We are bringing together performance, usability, and energy independence in a format that works for real-world boating."
Adrian Patzak, COO of Molabo, explained the engineering rationale behind the drive unit: "Delivering 50 kW at 48 volts enables high performance without the complexity and cost of high-voltage systems, opening the door to scalable and user-friendly electric boats."
Onboard energy storage relies on Victron technology, and the vessel supports optional 3 kW shore power charging where that facility is available. Certified to CE Category C6 for inshore use, AMY is well suited to charter fleets, boat-sharing platforms, private leisure boating, and tender applications.
The hull runs 6.5 metres in length with a beam of 2.1 metres and a starting weight of 700 kg. A modular layout allows the boat to be configured across a range of use cases. Standard equipment includes a chart plotter with echo sounder, Bluetooth stereo system, wireless phone charging, and natural cork flooring, with optional upgrades extending to a fridge, canopy, searchlight, and freshwater shower.
At the heart of Elvene's proposition is the argument that the electric boating sector has so far struggled to bring speed, range, and operational simplicity together within a single platform. By pairing planing capability with solar-assisted endurance, the company believes AMY opens genuine opportunities for electric boating in remote regions, commercial operations, and everyday recreational use.
Throughout Nice Boating Tomorrow, AMY was open for visitors to inspect firsthand, with Elvene walking attendees through the vessel's propulsion system, onboard energy management, and real-world performance capabilities.
Elvene is headquartered in Jakobstad, a Finnish coastal town with longstanding heritage in boat construction. The company works at the crossroads of traditional boatbuilding craftsmanship and modern electric propulsion, with a focus on environmentally conscious vessels that do not compromise on practical performance.
