- Technology and Innovation
Flying Across Lake Tahoe: The 50-Nautical-Mile Range of the Battery-Electric VS-9
Financing American Waterway Expansion
New Zealand hydrofoil manufacturer Vessev has closed a $19 million Series A and follow-on funding round to back its commercial expansion into North America. Led by Australia-based Blackbird Ventures, the investment round includes new participation from GD1 and Rypples alongside returning backers K1W1, Icehouse Ventures, Shasta Ventures, NZVC, and private angel investors. Vessev will direct the capital toward scaling serial production of its 10-passenger VS–9 vessel, expanding its onboard software, and establishing manufacturing partnerships within the United States.
Connecting Lake Tahoe Shores
San Francisco-based operator FlyTahoe serves as Vessev’s initial U.S. commercial client. FlyTahoe plans to integrate the battery-electric VS–9 into a clean water transit network intended to transport travelers between the North and South shores of Lake Tahoe. The initiative is incorporated into the broader Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan, though commercial operations remain subject to permits from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and partner regulatory bodies. FlyTahoe founder and CEO Ryan Meinzer noted that the VS–9 will run alongside Candela’s P–12 electric hydrofoil ferry to build a complementary, multi-vessel fleet.
Domestic Manufacturing Logistics
To satisfy local build requirements and support long-term scalability, Vessev plans to construct its U.S.-bound vessels domestically. Co-founder and CEO Eric Laakmann confirmed the company is currently evaluating partnerships with established American shipbuilders to fabricate the hulls. While shipyard partners will handle hull manufacturing, Vessev will continue designing, engineering, and producing its core technology in-house, including active hydrofoils, proprietary flight-control systems, and specialized hardware.
Active Hydrofoil Flight Control
Engineered for efficient commercial service, the battery-electric VS–9 accommodates 10 passengers and delivers an operational range of 40 nautical miles under full payload, expanding to 50 nautical miles with a light load. The hydrofoil design lifts the hull completely above the water surface, drastically reducing hydrodynamic drag and wake generation. To maintain stability across changing water conditions, the vessel’s automated flight-control system adjusts the foils up to 100 times per second. Commercial units operating in New Zealand have already logged over 11,000 nautical miles in active service.
Demonstration Circuit Ahead
FlyTahoe selected the VS–9 due to its passenger cabin configuration, operational history, and manageable charging profile, which allows the ferry to utilize existing marina electrical infrastructure. Before arriving on West Coast waters, Vessev will launch a U.S. demonstration tour in New York City ahead of New York Climate Week. The vessel will then execute on-water trials at the Washington Navy Yard in late September before transferring to Lake Tahoe for operator demonstrations later in the year.
