Riva El-Iseo: Full-Electric Sustainability and Unmistakable Style
Every new Riva model looks to the future while drawing on an inimitable heritage of elegance, style and know-how accumulated over 180 years. This formidable blend of innovation and tradition is perfectly captured in the Riva El-Iseo, the brand’s first full-electric powerboat, which launches the new ...

Every new Riva model looks to the future while drawing on an inimitable heritage of elegance, style and know-how accumulated over 180 years. This formidable blend of innovation and tradition is perfectly captured in the Riva El-Iseo, the brand’s first full-electric powerboat, which launches the new E-Luxury segment with a strong emphasis on sustainability.
Designed by Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta, founders of Officina Italiana Design, in collaboration with the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department, the Riva El-Iseo embodies Riva's timeless elegance.
The 27-foot (8.4-meter) runabout boasts a maximum beam of just over 8 feet (2.5 meters) and features sophisticated lines reminiscent of the much-loved and versatile Iseo, from which it inherits its hull design. On board, Riva’s signature elements are unmistakable: polished mahogany decking, stainless steel detailing on the lateral grills, and refined sky fabric cushions. These traditional details harmonize with the modern, linear design of the bridge, creating a seamless blend of classic and contemporary aesthetics. The first hull's color, California Sky Blue, complements the elegant aquamarine beauty line characteristic of Riva boats.
Riva El-Iseo is the first full-electric powerboat to earn RINA B Category certification, a rare achievement for open-type boats given their size and configuration. This certification attests to the boat's design for handling wind forces up to 8 and significant wave heights of 13 feet (4 meters) and above.
Propulsion
The Riva El-Iseo retains a traditional stern-drive propulsion system powered by a Parker GVM310 full-electric engine from Parker Hannifin, a global leader in motion and control technologies. Delivering 250 kW, peaking at 300 kW, the engine provides a cruising speed of 25 knots and a self-limited top speed of 40 knots, with acceleration significantly steeper than that of similarly sized internal combustion engine boats. The El-Iseo also features autotrim control for the stern-drive engine and a Zipwake interceptor for trim correction, ensuring maximum stability underway.
Batteries
The El-Iseo is equipped with a high-energy-density lithium battery pack from Podium Advanced Technologies, known for their expertise in batteries, automotive design and motorsport. These 150 kWh, 800 V batteries are more efficient, lighter and longer-lasting than traditional lead-acid batteries. They offer normal and fast-charging modes, allowing the batteries to charge from 20 percent to 80 percent in just 75 minutes. Safety was a top priority during development, resulting in a Redundant Design Configuration with two independent battery blocks, liquid cooling for rapid heat transfer, and extra thermal insulation using aerospace-grade materials.
Dashboard and Cruising Modes
The fully digital dashboard features two touch screen displays: a 9- or 12-inch Simrad chartplotter and a 12-inch Böning screen, providing comprehensive control over cruising and on-board systems. The steering system and its integration with on-board systems were developed by Xenta.
Riva El-Iseo offers three cruising modes inspired by classical music: Adagio, Andante, and Allegro. Adagio is the ECO mode, optimizing cruising performance with a maximum speed of 5 knots, extending the range up to 10 hours. Andante mode matches the cruising speed and acceleration of typical yachts of similar length, with a maximum planing speed of 25 knots. Allegro, the sport mode, unleashes the engine's full potential, reaching a top speed of 40 knots with electrifying acceleration. To conserve battery life, the boat automatically switches to Adagio mode when the battery charge drops to 20%, ensuring the owner can safely reach a mooring point or charging station.
Sustainability and Innovation
Riva El-Iseo is a testament to Ferretti Group’s commitment to sustainability, launching the E-Luxury segment that prioritizes eco-friendly propulsion, materials and production processes. The El-Iseo perfectly encapsulates Riva's essence, blending classic style with state-of-the-art technology. The prototype was unveiled in late 2022 at the Monaco Yacht Club, followed by rigorous testing in various conditions, including participation in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and the YCM E-Boat Rally, showcasing the boat's endurance and performance.
For more information: riva-yacht.com