Electric boat builder Vita has announced that its 10.5-meter (34-foot, 5-inch) flagship LION will be built at Hodgdon Yachts in East Boothbay, Maine, the oldest shipyard in the United States. Founded in 1816 and still family-owned, Hodgdon Yachts is renowned for building tenders for superyachts and is now joining the growing number of builders that are manufacturing electric vessels.

Vita, which was founded in 2017 and is separated into two divisions (Vita Yachts and Vita Power), released a 9-meter vessel called the Vita IX as its first prototype. That boat won the speed and endurance classes at the 2018 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. Its 10-meter Electrix day boat prototype was also successful in Monaco a year later.

Vita introduced LION in 2020 as its flagship model. The dayboat is expected to reach speeds topping 35 knots and cruise at 22 knots, with propulsion coming from Vita Power’s V4 electric engine, which delivers 590 peak horsepower. According to Vita, the LION should be able to cruise at 22 knots for approximately an hour and a half. At mixed speeds, the boat will reportedly be able to last all day on a single charge. The onboard 233-kWh battery supports AC and DC charging and can reportedly recharge in under an hour on a DCFC with help from the marine fast charging network Aqua superPower.

The LION, which was engineered by Vita in the United Kingdom and designed by BorromeodeSilva in Milan, will have space for up to eight passengers. Its cockpit will be able to convert to a dining area, and it will also feature a sunpad, shower, swim ladder, and an enclosed cabin with daybed, head and sink.

The LION is slated to begin sea trials this summer in the South of France and the United States. “Our vision was to create a boat with no compromise in terms of user experience, performance and functionality while also ensuring the least impact possible on the marine environment in which it operates,” said Rory Trahair, CEO of Vita Yachts Division, in a press release. “This collaboration with Hodgdon combines our technical innovation and their centuries of craftsmanship at the highest levels to produce the most advanced electric powerboat built to date.”