Rim Drive Technology and ENVGO worked closely together on NV1, combining expertise in electric propulsion and intelligent marine systems.
Engineering the final piece of autonomous control
NV1 rises above the waves and delivers a smooth, elevated ride. No more crashing through waves, no loud engine noise, and minimal wake. It combines unmatched speed, silent operation, and intelligent flight controls into a single, precision-built platform. Every component aligns with that ambition.
ENVGO is a Canadian marine technology company building the future of clean, intelligent watercraft. By fusing aerospace engineering with robotics and AI, ENVGO is reimagining marine transportation. Its flagship vessel, NV1, is a zero-emission electric hydrofoiling cruiser offering an extraordinary “flight over water” experience and four times the efficiency of traditional electric boats.
Founded by serial entrepreneur Mike Peasgood, ENVGO has deep aerospace and AI expertise from the drone and defence sectors. The company is building a scalable, license-ready system enabling OEM partners to deliver high-performance, zero-emission hydrofoiling vessels
Every Component Must Match the Ambition
NV1 was designed with one clear ambition: to redefine performance on water. From the very beginning, every component had to support that vision. Nothing could be added simply because it was standard practice. Every system had to earn its place.
When evaluating low-speed maneuvering solutions, three requirements were non-negotiable: silence, weight efficiency, and absolute control.
Rim Drive Technology delivered all three.
1. Silence without mechanical compromise
Traditional thrusters rely on central shafts and gearboxes. These systems add mechanical complexity and generate noise. NV1 takes a different approach.
Rim Drive’s fully electric motor removes the central shaft and gearbox entirely. The result:
- Significantly reduced underwater noise
- Fewer mechanical components
- Smoother torque delivery
- Higher reliability
For a vessel designed around the idea of “silent flight,” acoustic control is essential. Low-speed noise is often the most noticeable sound on board. By eliminating mechanical friction points, NV1 maintains silence where it matters most.
2. Lightweight architecture for extended range
Weight directly affects range, efficiency, and performance. A heavier vessel requires more energy to move and reduces overall endurance. The compact design of a Rim Drive motor allows for a smaller footprint, reduced component mass and a high power-to-weight ratio.
The 5kW stern thruster weighs only 5 kg, contributing minimally to overall vessel mass while maintaining full maneuvering capability. This contributes directly to NV1’s performance targets:
- Up to 80 km/h top speed
- Up to 100 km range
Performance without range is incomplete. Efficiency makes speed usable.
3. Seamless control and electronic integration
True ownership experience is defined at low speed. High-speed performance is important, but precise control in harbors and tight spaces is what owners use every day. The Rim Drive thruster plays a key role in holding position, spinning in place, precise docking and autonomous positioning.
When integrated with NV1’s propulsion motors and flight control system, the thruster becomes more than a utility component. Docking becomes controlled, and autonomous navigation becomes practical.
NV1 operates on a high-voltage electric architecture, and Rim Drive’s system integrates directly into this platform. This direct integration simplifies overall system architecture and reduces conversion inefficiencies.
Shared Vision and Strategic Partnership
For ENVGO, choosing Rim Drive Technology was about more than technology. It was about choosing a technology partner capable of matching:
- Aerospace-level control standards
- Silent performance expectations
- Integrated electric architecture
- A long-term innovation roadmap
Rim Drive Technology develops and builds its systems in the Netherlands, with a strong focus on innovation, research, and sustainability. Their commitment to continuous development and responsible production fits closely with ENVGO’s goal: leading the shift toward clean, intelligent marine mobility.
NV1 was built to raise the standard on water. To achieve that, every component and every partner must truly fit the ambition.
ENVGO made its U.S. debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show (March 25-29), where NV1 will was showcased at the Superyacht Show at Palm Harbor. If you didn’t have the chance at experience NV1 at Palm Beach, request your exclusive demo at www.envgo.com
“For NV1, silence, lightweight efficiency, and precise low-speed controls were non-negotiable. The Rim Drive thruster delivers all three and integrates cleanly into our high-voltage platform without mechanical complexity.”