As the marine industry accelerates its transition to electric propulsion, inboard motors are at the heart of the movement toward quieter, cleaner, and more efficient vessels.
⚓ Vivic & ACEL Power: A Groundbreaking Partnership
In March 2025, Vivic Corp (a leading luxury yacht designer and builder based in Taiwan) and ACEL Power Inc (based in Richmond, BC) announced a strategic joint development agreement to build their first series of electric catamaran yachts—including the EV1, EV2, and EV58—powered by ACEL’s twin 75 HP electric inboard system.
Why this matters:
World first: The Vivic EV1 is set to become the first fully electric yacht globally to launch with ACEL’s twin inboard powertrain.
Dual branding & IP collaboration: Vessels will carry both Vivic and ACEL’s “Weiguan” logo, signalling joint intellectual property ownership.
Global scale: Vivic will handle yacht design, construction, and sales in Greater China, while ACEL Power covers propulsion system production and overseas markets.
Strong commercial traction: A substantial order was received shortly after the agreement, confirming robust demand for sustainable luxury vessels
Timeline: The first twin-inboard EV1 delivery is expected in September 2025, marking a new milestone in marine innovation
Two Generations of Electric Inboard Innovation 🔋
Our inboard propulsion lineup begins with the Vivic EV1-specific first-generation motor, with a significant step forward in the second-generation motor platform.
Gen 1: Proven for Vivic EV1
Designed specifically to meet the EV1’s launch-ready timeline.
Built on ACEL’s proven 75 HP, 43 kWh electric outboard platform, now adapted for twin inboard integration.
Reliable, faster-to-market, and robust.
Gen 2: Sleek, Integrated, Future-Proof
Fully integrated motor-inverter-gearbox unit with a compact footprint.
Reduced size and weight—ideal for modern yacht layouts with limited engine room access.
Built on the same intelligent control software honed over multiple outboard deployments.
Built on Proven Outboard Foundations
ACEL’s inboard motors leverage software and systems that have already proven their worth in marine environments:
- Thermal control, RPM management, alert systems and fault protection—from existing outboard deployments
- Standardized digital throttle, onboard computer, and smart charging—ensuring turnkey integration inside any yacht architecture.
Full-System Architecture: More Than Just a Motor
Inboard systems require more than just propulsion—they demand tight system integration:
- ACEL Power provides complete shaft line and thrust-bearing design, ensuring safe and efficient power transfer.
- Battery architecture is marine-optimized and “stackable”, enabling builders to scale range without redesigning layouts.
- ACEL Power handles propulsion sales and support globally, extending beyond Greater China, and offers end-to-end engineering and after-sales excellence.
Performance You Can Feel (and Hear… Or Rather, You Won’t)
- Twin 75 HP inboards deliver quiet, vibration-free operation—barely perceptible compared to diesel counterparts.
- Long-range cruising: EV1 is engineered to cover “hundreds of kilometers on a single charge”
- Lower operating cost: minimal maintenance and energy costs, with a digital throttle for smooth acceleration and handling.
A First in Class—and a Launchpad for More
The Vivic EV1 will be on display at the public docks this September 2025 as the first electric yacht powered by ACEL’s twin inboard propulsion. It’s a validation of ACEL’s 5‑year roadmap to bring high-performance, customer-ready electric propulsion to luxury marine segments.
But the journey doesn’t stop there. ACEL Power is already evolving its platform, pushing toward:
- Higher power models (150–250 HP learnings from outboards)
- Lighter and smaller footprint motors for even more yacht classes
- Global deployment with integrated delivery, servicing, and parts support
The Takeaway
By collaborating with Vivic, ACEL Power achieves:
🛥 First-mover leadership in electric yachts, starting with twin-inboard catamarans.
🔧 System-level integration, encompassing motor, powertrain, batteries, shaft systems, and yacht infrastructure.
🌍 Global reach, through Vivic’s China network and ACEL’s international sales and servicing.
🌱 Proof of concept, with delivery set for September 2025 and early hard orders already in hand.
This Vivic-ACEL partnership is more than a press release; it’s a turning point. It’s a bold step toward mainstream sustainable boating, combining Vivic’s yacht-building excellence with ACEL’s breakthrough electric powertrains to deliver unmatched quality, intelligence, and environmental leadership, right as the first twin-inboard electric vessels hit the water.
