Electric hydrofoil ferries gain speed in US
A new wave of electric ferries is here in the US. Some even fly
Thursday, 29 October 2026
Photo by Franz Wender on Unsplash
Warm-up
- How often do you travel by boat or ferry?
- What transport changes could cut city air pollution?
- Would you try a new kind of fast boat? Why or why not?
Vocabulary
- hydrofoil
- An underwater wing that lifts a boat as it speeds up
- hull
- The main body of a boat that sits in the water
- drag
- Resistance that slows a moving object, such as a boat in water
- battery
- A device that stores electricity to power motors and equipment
- diesel
- A type of fuel used by many boat and bus engines
- emissions
- Gases released into the air, often from burning fuel
- recharge
- To fill a battery with electricity again after use
- operator
- A company or agency that runs a transport service
Reading
Listen to this story
British EnglishA new generation of electric ferries is appearing in the United States, and some ride on hydrofoils. In a New York Harbor demo, Vessev’s small craft lifted its hull above the waves, turning bumps into a smooth glide. The company says hydrofoils cut drag by about 66%, so boats can use smaller battery packs and cost less to run.
Vessev operates in New Zealand, is expanding to Australia, and plans its first US route on Lake Tahoe. It argues that electric vessels could become everyday transport, linking communities without adding cars. As electricity gets cleaner, switching ferries from diesel to batteries can reduce emissions and improve air around waterfronts.
Vessev has rivals. In Stockholm, commuters already ride electric hydrofoil ferries from Swedish maker Candela, which says they use up to 80% less energy than similar boats. In San Francisco, the largest ferry operator carries about 3.5 million passengers a year on 18 diesel vessels and plans four battery-powered ferries. Route length, passenger loads and recharge time still shape what is possible.
Comprehension
- What technology lifts some electric ferries out of the water?
- How much drag reduction does Vessev claim for its design?
- Where is Vessev planning its first US service?
- Which city already carries commuters on electric hydrofoil ferries?
- How many diesel vessels are in San Francisco’s fleet?
Grammar focus
Mixed conditionals
Mixed conditionals link different times. 1) Past condition + present result: If + had + past participle, ... would + base verb (now). 2) Present condition + past result: If + past simple, ... would have + past participle (then). (Examples constructed.)
- If Vessev had launched sooner, fares would be lower now.
- If hydrofoils were standard, commuters would have saved time last year.
Grammar exercise
Complete each sentence using "would".
- If routes had been shorter, boats (cost) ___ less now.
- If charging had improved, services (run) ___ more often now.
- If docks were ready, pilots (finish) ___ trials last year.
- If batteries had been bigger, ferries (carry) ___ more now.
- If links were direct, commuters (spend) ___ less last month.
Discussion
- Where could electric ferries work well in your country? Why?
- Do hydrofoils’ benefits outweigh their costs and limits? Explain.
- Should cities prioritise electric boats or electric buses first?
- What would persuade commuters to switch from cars to ferries?
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