Hummer EV Pickup

Make
GMC
Segment
Sports Car

We talk a lot about electrifying the auto industry here at CarBuzz, hence the name. But boating, more specifically shipping, is one of the main contributors to global warming. GM has a plan to electrify the lake, which sounds more dangerous than it is, by buying 25% of Seattle-based electric boatmaker Pure Watercraft.

We're talking about smaller and personal watercraft here. The company specializes in building electric outboard motors, which can be easier to run and maintain than traditional oily marine engines. Additionally, there are plenty of local swim holes that only allow electric motors, and if, like vehicles, we can get the same output/enjoyment, why not save the planet at the same time?

"GM's stake in Pure Watercraft represents another exciting opportunity to extend our zero-emissions goal beyond automotive applications," said Dan Nicholson, GM vice president of global electrification, controls, software and electronics. "Building upon GM's existing efforts to strategically deploy our technology across rail, truck and aerospace industries, the combined expertise of these two enterprises should result in future zero-emissions marine product offerings, providing consumers with more choice than before."

In the release, there is a mention of GM investing $35 billion in electric and autonomous technology, but no mention of the Ultium battery from the GMC Hummer EV specifically. But like Nicholson says above, GM can do this in space and on rail, so there's no reason to think it can't develop something for the pond.

"Our mission is to enable a new era in boating," said Andy Rebele, founder and CEO of Pure Watercraft. "This joint effort with GM is expected to enable us to make significant technological advancements in range and charging, while achieving volume production."

That all sounds great, our only real question is how people are supposed to charge these things? There's no EV network on water. Pure Watercraft's current setup uses modular batteries with a rapid charger left at the dock. It says its boats can charge from half to full in 90 minutes. Going larger will require more power, and more voltage dangling precariously close to the water. We're most excited about the instant torque, on the water.