Dallas, TX-based electric-boat startup Pollentia Inc. has revealed a flagship product that represents a significant advancement for the industry by offering up to a 350-mi (563-km) charge range.

The Ventus First-Generation is a 40-ft (12.2-m) model in a line that is planned to include a 30-ft (9.1-m) Sport, 25-ft (7.6-m) Cruiser, and 20-ft (6.1-m) Compact. Each model is designed with different needs, from high performance to versatility, while maintaining the company’s focus on advanced technology and sustainability.

Pollentia was co-founded by CEO Tyler Temple, a Navy veteran with a passion for advanced technology and sustainability, and CTO Ivan Shterev, an energy engineer. They want their new electric boat manufacturer to pioneer maritime innovation with vessels engineered with cutting-edge technology, including high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, to deliver superior performance, extended range, and unmatched durability.

The company’s co-founders have quickly built a leadership team that includes CMO Kevin Nakao, Chief System Architect Cameron Weeks, CFO Patrick McCarthy, and COO Artem Marie-Magdeleine to drive its mission forward. The aim is for the company to stand out with a proprietary AI assistant to revolutionize safety, diagnostics, and user interactions for a smarter, more connected boating experience.

Last month, the company exhibited at the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show, and its boat was featured on a billboard in Times Square during the Thanksgiving Day Parade to begin showcasing its mission and innovations to a global audience.

 

Technology in two versions

Pollentia boats feature water jet propulsion, sophisticated battery management systems, and intuitive onboard technology to ensure optimal performance.

The Ventus First-Generation features a composite superstructure and is designed for recreational and commercial use. The spacious layout for ten passengers features premium materials, customizable seating, and state-of-the-art controls.

In addition to the 40-ft overall length, the “approximate” dimensions are a 11.6-ft (3.5-m) beam and 2.6-ft (0.8-m) draft. The boat is designed for 20 and 40 kt (37 and 74 km/h) cruise and maximum speeds. A state-of-the-art water-jet propulsion system is engineered for both speed and stability by offering high power output of 820 to 895 kW and precise maneuverability.

High-capacity lithium-ion batteries are designed for extended range and long-lasting performance to keep customers on the water longer with minimal downtime. Two versions of the flagship are said to offer industry-leading ranges for short trips or long cruises, outperforming current electric and hybrid options.

The short- and long-range versions have two and four 63-kW·h lithium-ion battery packs for 126 and 252 kW·h with ranges up to 250 and 350 mi (402 and 563 km) ranges, respectively. The lithium-ion batteries use 21700 cells operating at 407 V per battery cell with 44-kW fast charging capabilities.

 

AI, Co-Captain

Pollentia hopes to redefine what’s possible in electric boating by introducing a transformative on-water experience powered by a purpose-built AI (artificial intelligence) called AI Co-Captain. The inspiration behind the system emerged from the founder’s experience on the water and the common challenges boaters face such as navigation complexity, unexpected obstacles, and the need for consistent maintenance.

Recognizing these issues, the AI is being designed to act as an onboard partner that intuitively adapts to the boater’s needs, enhancing safety, efficiency, and enjoyment. It integrates real-time navigation, predictive analytics, and advanced diagnostics. It relies on a 360-degree suite of external and internal cameras and grid sensors.

The system actively monitors and assesses environmental conditions, offering precise navigation and route optimization based on real-time data. This capability ensures that routes are adjusted dynamically, making each journey smoother and reducing the risks posed by unexpected changes in weather or water conditions.

The AI’s advanced collision avoidance system uses sensor networks to detect obstacles and automatically suggest course adjustments to minimize the chance of incidents. This proactive feature is meant to instill confidence, especially for boaters navigating unfamiliar waters or busy marinas.

Boating with a fully electric propulsion system requires smart energy management, so the AI Co-Captain continuously optimizes power use based on factors like speed, distance, and environmental conditions to maximize efficiency and reduce charging frequency. This feature is said to make Ventus a more practical choice for longer journeys.

With built-in predictive analytics, the AI continuously monitors the boat’s critical systems and alerts the user to any maintenance needs before they become issues. This advanced diagnostics feature enhances reliability and safety by preventing potential problems, keeping the vessel in optimal condition, and reducing costly repairs.

The Co-Captain operates through a 9K touchscreen, consolidating critical functions into a single interface through which users can access navigation, performance data, and safety alerts. It features remote monitoring, allowing users to access vital information and prepare their boat from offboard.

The company’s vision is to lead the shift towards intelligent, purpose-driven electric boating, where the boat doesn’t just respond to commands but anticipates and supports every aspect of the adventure.

R&D and launch timeline

Pollentia expects to complete research and development for Ventus models by 2025-2026. This phase is focused on refining the performance and sustainability of the models and integrating feedback from testing and industry collaborations. The company is also investing in a global charging network to make recharging easy and accessible.

In the next 6-12 months, the company will focus on expanding partnerships, scaling production, securing investments, and enhancing its technology to improve range, efficiency, and user experience.

Full-scale production is targeted for 2028 with electric boats for the global market. The starting price is $850,000 and can be reserved with a fully refundable $1000 at https://www.pollentiainc.com/reserve.