By Dan Hook

There’s a seismic shift in the industry as pressure mounts to reduce emissions and embrace sustainability. This is causing vessel operators to increasingly turn toward electric propulsion as a practical and future-proof alternative to traditional combustion engines.

Innovators driving this revolution include the team here at U.K.-based RAD Propulsion, where our cutting-edge technology is reshaping how commercial operators and leisure users think about power on the water.

At the heart of our offering is the RAD 40 electric drive, a lightweight, intelligent, 60-hp-equivalent propulsion system that combines top performance and innovative technology while being simple to install and maintain. The RAD 40 also enables boat builders to maximize space on board thanks to its compact and space-saving design. The integrated steering and flush transom provide more room for features such as bathing platforms or extra seating.

With a fully integrated drive-by-wire throttle and steering system, our drive offers precise, responsive control. The ±90° steering enables 180° maneuverability, making complex handling effortless. Its ultralow maintenance requirements further enhance reliability, which is crucial for vessel owners and operators and ensures peak performance in demanding applications.

We’ve ensured users have no charging concerns with CCS DC fast charging in under an hour and AC charging solutions for use with 16- and 13-A shore power sockets. It was important to us to optimize turnaround times between uses to meet the real-world needs of our customers. Integrated battery management systems (BMS) also ensure safety and performance, while adapting to variable environmental conditions, from -10 to +55° C.

Smart Navigation

Earlier this year, we were proud to announce a new partnership with Savvy Navvy, a marine navigation technology company, to integrate our electric propulsion systems with smart range technology.

This collaboration combines both power management and route planning, allowing boaters to receive real-time updates on their range based on dynamic environmental conditions such as wind, tides, and weather. With more than 2 million downloads globally, Savvy Navvy’s intuitive mobile charts are already transforming how boaters approach trip planning. By feeding RAD’s Propulsion data into this ecosystem, users gain unprecedented accuracy and confidence in every journey, ensuring they can make the most of their voyages. This partnership validates our broader approach that clean marine propulsion needs to be part of a connected and intelligent system.

 

 

Power Console System

Another breakthrough product from the RAD Propulsion team is our Power Console system, a fully integrated, all-in-one outboard console designed for rapid deployment. We wanted to design a product which appealed whether you are a commercial operator needing fast turnaround or a leisure user desiring a hassle-free setup. This system brings professional grade performance in a compact, user-friendly format, perfect for inflatable ribs such as the Zodiac MK 5.

Two versions are available currently. The Power Console features a 21-kWh battery and a range up to 21 nautical mi. (nm) at low speed, and the Power Console+ features a 42-kWh battery and a range up to 41 nm at low speed. Both systems are designed for ease of deployment. Mountable in forward or aft positions, they require no complex wiring and can be installed in under 15 min. The systems are also engineered for environmental robustness, operating in air temperatures from -10 to +55° C and water temperatures down to -5° C.

Their low noise and thermal output make them ideal for eco-sensitive missions, scientific research, and defense operations. The RAD 40’s thermal imaging footprint is negligible, a key advantage where detection or disruption is a concern. Likewise, our product’s underwater acoustic signature is significantly quieter than combustion alternatives, enhancing its utility in marine biology, conservation, and tactical uses. A cruise line successfully used the product in Antarctica during the winter, just to name one customer.

 

The Future

At RAD Propulsion, we’re working hard to demonstrate what electric marine systems can achieve, proving that clean boating doesn’t require a compromise in performance or capability. Whether it’s through reduced environmental impact, intelligent smart range navigation, or ease of deployment and maintenance, our solutions are set to help the marine industry in its move toward a more sustainable and reliable future.

 

 

 

Dan Hook is the CEO of RAD Propulsion.