Alameda-based startup, Boundary Layer Technologies (BLT), has witnessed overwhelming demand for its revolutionary all-electric hydrofoil, Valo. Despite still being in the prototype phase, the company’s initial production run of the electric jet ski variant has sold out well into 2023.
BLT, founded in 2018 in California’s Bay Area, boasts a team of engineers experienced in designing and developing cutting-edge technologies such as self-landing rockets, hyperloops, drones, and foiling racing yachts.
Valo represents BLT’s flagship product and is an all-electric hydrofoiling watercraft. Unlike conventional jet skis like Taiga’s, Valo utilizes hydrofoils to lift the entire hull out of the water, resulting in lower energy consumption and virtually zero wake. Additionally, the electric motors ensure zero noise pollution, offering a sleek and stealthy aquatic experience.
As BLT gears up for the initial production run of the electric Valo hyperfoils, the company has announced that it has already sold out. Pre-orders for the Valo were opened last year, and within the first three weeks, BLT amassed $1 million in orders.
Recent coverage by PlugBoats reveals that the hydrofoiling cousin of the electric jet ski has attracted significant interest, with all available slots sold out through 2023. Remarkably, BLT received three times the number of orders it can currently fulfill, indicating a promising future for this nascent form of sustainable water mobility. BLT CEO Ed Kearney expressed his enthusiasm, stating that Valo would bring about a complete revolution in personal watercraft, offering speed, agility, exhilaration, and near-silent operation with zero wake. Kearney envisions Valo as a completely new form of water-based mobility.
The Valo hyperfoil boasts impressive specifications, differing slightly from its original debut. It can achieve a top speed of 42 mph and a cruise speed of 30 mph. To initiate hydrofoiling, a minimum speed of 15 mph is required. When cruising, Valo can provide up to 2 hours and 20 minutes of water time, subject to wind and water conditions. Recharging the vessel takes approximately 3 hours using a Level 2, 240V AC charger. Constructed with carbon fiber composites, titanium, and stainless steel, the watercraft prioritizes strength while keeping weight to a minimum (totaling 430 pounds) and accommodates two passengers.
An intriguing feature of Valo is its proprietary Skydrive system, designed by BLT. This system monitors the position and behavior of the watercraft 100 times per second, then adjusts the control surfaces semi-autonomously to ensure a smooth and stable ride likened to flying.
If you haven’t secured a pre-order, the chances of riding a Valo this year are slim to none. However, BLT is currently offering production slots for 2024. The Valo is priced at a starting MSRP of $59,000, and interested buyers can reserve one with a fully refundable deposit of $500.
