Riva has revealed the brand’s first electric prototype – the El-Iseo. Unveiled during Ferretti’s Private Preview (September 5), hosted at the Monaco Yacht Club, the landmark moment for the brand coincides with Riva’s 180th anniversary.
An adaption of the Iseo model the 8.2 metre runabout is powered by a Parker GVM310 full electric engine. With a power output of 250 kW and 300 kW peak, the Riva prototype has cruising speed of 25 knots and a self-limited top speed of 40 knots.
According to Riva the acceleration curve is “significantly steeper than that of a similarly sized boat powered by an internal combustion engine”. The model also offers plenty of scope for exploration with up to ten hours of navigation in economy mode.
Speaking at the press event at the Cannes Yachting Festival (September 6), Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi, explained the strategy behind the prototype. “When you go electric you don’t want it to be a joke,” he said. “You have to remember two things, safety and endurance. You don’t want to have to call the coastguard in the middle of the sea. There must be safety features on board that remind you if you're playing to smart and too quick with the power.”
The El-Iseo features the finishes, colours and detail that are associated with Riva. It also has a fully digital, touchscreen dashboard that mimics the analogue displays of past boats. In a further nod to the brand’s heritage the three drive models are named are the tempos of classic music – Allegro, Andante and Adagio.
Galassi explained that in order to ensure that the El-Iseo meets the “Riva standard” it would not be introduced to the market until the end of 2023 at the earliest. “We are testing it in all possible conditions. It has to be easy, functional and safe. You cannot play with the brand Riva,” he added.