Voltari Debuts All-Electric Patrol Boat for Military and Law Enforcement
Canadian electric boat company Voltari has recently unveiled the Patrol 26 RIB, an all-electric patrol boat designed specifically for military and law enforcement use. The boat, which features a carbon-fiber RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) hull, measures 28 feet and two inches in length. It is engineered to meet the military’s near-shore search-and-rescue, security, and patrol requirements, offering enhanced performance while ensuring zero noise pollution and emissions. According to a company press release, the boat delivers a sustainable solution without compromising operational effectiveness.
The Canadian Coast Guard has already acquired one of these vessels, which is set to undergo testing in December in the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, a U.S. naval defense contractor has purchased two units for a U.S. Navy security contract, highlighting the growing interest in electric-powered vessels for defense and security applications.
Tim Markou, president of Voltari, said the company set out to build an all-electric boat that is not “electric for the sake of being electric.” One of the biggest advantages of the boat is the cost savings, he said.
“It’s electric with a usable purpose, meaning that it may be faster, it may be better, it may be quieter, it may be all the things, but somebody who’s used to driving a small craft can actually not only find that this is an equivalent — they in many cases could find it better than their existing vessel,” said Markou.
A Voltari company release estimated that the Patrol 26 RIB could save buyers $1 million per unit over 10 years.
“For the most part, the major cost of boating is your fuel and your maintenance, and we’ve eliminated that,” said Markou. “In fact, we could go as far as to say it would be one-tenth the cost or less.”
Markou added that The Voltari patrol boat operates with reduced noise, “little to no” heat signature and enhanced acceleration capabilities, with a top speed of over 55 MPH and range of up to 100 miles at idle or 30 miles at a 25 MPH cruise speed. It was primarily designed from an operator-first perspective, he said.
The Voltari Patrol 26 RIB is equipped with a carbon fiber hull and a 24-degree deadrise deep-V oceangoing design, ensuring optimal stability and performance in challenging waters. The boat is powered by 740 horsepower, delivering 1,007 lb⋅ft of torque, and features a dual-prop drive with contra-rotating propellers and a trimmable outdrive.
Its performance capabilities include a top speed of over 55 mph, a cruising speed range of 20 to 30 mph, and a range of up to 100 miles at idle or 30 miles at a 25 mph cruise speed. With peak power of 550 kW and continuous power of 425 kW, the Patrol 26 offers impressive efficiency and power for its intended missions.
In addition to its powerful performance, the boat comes equipped with shock suspension seating for comfort during high-speed maneuvers, a FLIR thermal night vision camera for enhanced security and situational awareness, and climate control on the Patrol 26 Pilot model for operator comfort.
For charging, the Patrol 26 RIB supports the J1772/CCS1 interface, which is compatible with Level 2 and DC fast charging. It can be charged at standard marine pedestals offering 50 or 100 A, allowing for a full overnight charge using dockside power. The same connector also enables on-trailer charging using most automotive charging stations, providing versatile charging options for operators.
“We set out to build a better boat, not just an electric boat,” said Markou. “They all come with suspension seating. We have the proper angles on screens and windshields to reduce glare. We have the proper seating position so that nobody is hunching over, reaching towards throttles or steering wheels.”
Voltari has one office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and two in Canada. Aqua Lectric reported that the growth of electric boat companies in North America has been notable in recent years, as consumer demand for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional gas-powered maritime vessels and boats continues to rise.
