California startup makes waves with electric boat for water

California electric boat maker Arc Boats wants to electrify the boating industry, starting with a high-end speed boat for wake surfing and other water sports. It wants to follow Tesla's strategy for electrifying the roads. Like Tesla, Arc Boats is starting with luxurious vessels likely to appeal to a small and affluent audience that isn’t reluctant to spend large sums of money to own the latest technology. Its first boat, was a luxury cruiser that cost over $300,000. Its new sport boat is $258,000.

Class discussion: Do you think the company can sell many wake-board boats for $258,000? Like electric cars, electric boats date back more than a century. Are these 21st-century models worth such extravagant prices? Why or why not? Will competition reduce the prices? What are the advantages and disadvantages of transportation powered by electricity? It is used worldwide for all types of rail travel, but can it become widespread for road, water and air transportation? Are better batteries the key?