SeaDoo showcases concept electric jetski

It looks like the odds of an electric jetski showing up on your lake soon are going up considerably with BRP, maker of Sea-Doo, unveiling a battery powered model at its annual Club BRP conference.

Electric car manufacturer Nikola introduced an electric jetski at their annual get together back in April, and Australian company Electro.Nauto announced a hydrofoiling jetski – the WaveFlyer – in August.

The WaveFlyer was developed in association with the University of Western Australia REV (Renewable Energy Vehicle)  Project, which first developed an electric jetski in 2015.

There is no word yet on when the SeaDoo and Nikola versions will come to market, but obviously the companies know there is interest in a personal watercraft that doesn’t have the noise and emissions issues of fossil fuel models.

Eager to hear the consumer’s reaction

The electric SeaDoo was revealed as part of a lineup of electric recreational vehicles, including go-karts, side-by-sides, and motorcycles including a three-wheeled ‘spyder’model.

“BRP has been working for some time on how to create e-vehicles to bring new experiences to potential and existing riders. As we’ve said, it was never a question of “if’’, but “when’’. said Denys Lapointe, Senior Vice-President, Design, Innovation and Creative Services. “For the moment, these are preliminary concepts as we are currently evaluating market viability,’’ We’re eager to hear the consumer’s reaction” he added.

Bill Roberson, Cars & Bikes Contributor for Forbes, noted that  “The fact that a company like BRP is looking towards electrification is important. If they push forward on electrifying outdoor products that have traditionally been gas-powered and do it in a way that makes sense for their consumers – especially in the work vehicles segment – it could be another beachhead for the expanding EV market.

For our part, we’re not choosing sides on which company gets to market sooner, we hope they all launch quickly and we’re looking forward to lowered emissions from jetskis along with a little peace and quiet for others on the water.