Electric propulsion, innovative design and sustainable technologies take centre stage as the Gustave Trouvé Awards return for their seventh edition, recognising the companies and innovators shaping the future of electric boating.
The transition towards a more sustainable future for boating is gaining momentum, with electric propulsion and technological innovation increasingly influencing the global marine and yachting industries. Against this backdrop, the Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating, widely known as The Gussies, are returning for their seventh edition in 2026, with nominations now officially open.
The awards provide an international platform for manufacturers, designers, technology developers and marine industry professionals to showcase their latest achievements in electric boating. From recreational boats and sailing yachts to commercial vessels and innovative personal watercraft, the competition aims to recognise the projects making a meaningful contribution to the evolution of cleaner and more efficient marine transportation.
Nominations are open until 22 November 2026, with the winners scheduled to be announced on 13 January 2027.
Celebrating Innovation in Electric Boating
First launched in 2020 by specialist electric boating platform Plugboats, in collaboration with the International Electric Marine Association (IEMA), The Gussies were established to recognise excellence and encourage the development of electric and zero-emission marine technologies.
Over the years, the awards have become an important international reference point for the electric boating sector, highlighting the growing creativity and technological progress taking place across the industry.
The competition covers a wide range of categories, reflecting the expanding possibilities of electric propulsion and its applications in both recreational and commercial boating.
What Are the Award Categories?
The 2026 edition recognises achievements across several segments of the electric boating market, including:
Electric boats up to 8 metres, both in production and under development.
Electric boats over 8 metres, both in production and under development.
Electric sailing yachts.
Electric workboats.
Electric recreational watercraft, including personal watercraft, e-foils, e-boards and water scooters.
Electric repowered boats, recognising vessels converted to electric propulsion.
Electric passenger vessels, both in operation and under development.
An interesting aspect of the awards is that recognition is not limited to vessels already available on the market. Projects still under development are also eligible, highlighting the importance of research, engineering and forward-thinking design in shaping the next generation of marine technology.
To qualify, motorboats must use electric propulsion as their primary means of propulsion, while sailing yachts may use it as an auxiliary system. Hybrid vessels may also qualify, provided that a fully electric version is available for purchase.
How Are the Winners Selected?
The selection process combines expert evaluation with public participation, giving both industry professionals and boating enthusiasts a voice.
An international judging panel initially reviews the nominations and selects the finalists in each category. The public is then invited to vote for their favourite entries, contributing to the final results.
The final scoring combines the judges' evaluation, accounting for 75% of the result, with the public vote, accounting for the remaining 25%.
The finalists are expected to be announced on 2 December 2026, when public voting will open. Voting will remain available until 10 January 2027.
Honouring a Pioneer of Electric Marine Technology
The awards take their name from French inventor Gustave Trouvé, a remarkable figure in the history of engineering, credited with more than 75 patented inventions.
Among his most notable achievements was the development of what is widely recognised as the first electric outboard motor in 1881. Trouvé fitted an electric motor to a prototype boat named Le Téléphone and demonstrated it on the River Seine in Paris, marking an important milestone in the history of electric marine propulsion.
More than a century later, his pioneering concept is experiencing a remarkable revival. Advances in battery technology, energy management systems and electric motors are creating new opportunities for the marine industry, making electric propulsion increasingly practical and attractive.
A Greener Future for the Yachting Industry
The growing international interest in The Gussies reflects a wider transformation taking place across the marine sector. Manufacturers are investing in cleaner propulsion systems, improved energy efficiency and innovative solutions designed to reduce the environmental impact of boating.
For the yachting industry, this transition goes beyond reducing emissions. Electric propulsion also offers quieter cruising, improved onboard comfort and new opportunities for yacht builders, marinas and marine tourism operators.
As technology continues to advance, electric boating is gradually moving from a specialised market into a more established part of the global marine industry.
The Gussies 2026 will therefore do more than recognise the year's outstanding electric boats. They will also highlight the ideas, technologies and people shaping the next chapter of boating — one in which innovation, performance and environmental responsibility increasingly go hand in hand.
For an industry closely connected to the sea, this is a transformation worth watching.
Source: Plugboats – The Gussies 2026 (Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating).
Official Website: https://plugboats.com/
