Electric PWC in the works that can go 50 mph

Eco Watercraft has working prototype

San Francisco based Eco Watercraft is hoping fun seekers everywhere will be charging up an all-electric personal watercraft in the not too distant future.

Founded by former collegiate triathlete Barrett Taylor, the idea of Eco Watercraft was born after Taylor took place in a half Ironman swim where fumes expelled from PWCs patrolling the swim site caused some of the athletes to become nauseous. After leaving medical school in 2008, Taylor assembled a team of engineers to develop the first 100 percent emissions free electric PWC – the Eco1.

Eco Watercraft is hoping to have the Eco1 in production by 2011. A prototype was recently taken out for a spin in San Francisco Bay and you can watch a video of it on the company’s official web site – EcoWatercraft.com.

The Eco1 prototype looks just like any other runabout-style PWC, but the similarities end there. Lacking an internal combustion engine, the Eco1 is quiet. In fact, the only sound you hear is the Eco1 cutting through the water.

The Eco1 claims to be 100% emissions free and 100% quiet.

According to the company, the Eco1 can achieve speeds over 50 mph. And because it is powered by electricity, it will have 100 percent torque anytime it is needed so acceleration should be fast and efficient.

Eco Watercraft says the battery on the Eco1 will last three hours before needing a charge. Keep in mind, however, that battery makers have been known to exaggerate their claims.

The idea of a fully electric PWC is pretty exciting and PersonalWatercraft.com will keep you updated as soon as we hear anything else about the Eco1.