Rim Drive Technology

Performance without noise: the silent technology behind NV1’s maneuverability

Nick Ruinard — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:01:23 +0000

Rim Drive Technology and ENVGO worked closely together on NV1, combining expertise in electric propulsion and intelligent marine systems.

Engineering the final piece of autonomous control

NV1 rises above the waves and delivers a smooth, elevated ride. No more crashing through waves, no loud engine noise, and minimal wake. It combines unmatched speed, silent operation, and intelligent flight controls into a single, precision-built platform. Every component aligns with that ambition.

ENVGO is a Canadian marine technology company building the future of clean, intelligent watercraft. By fusing aerospace engineering with robotics and AI, ENVGO is reimagining marine transportation. Its flagship vessel, NV1, is a zero-emission electric hydrofoiling cruiser offering an extraordinary “flight over water” experience and four times the efficiency of traditional electric boats.

Founded by serial entrepreneur Mike Peasgood, ENVGO has deep aerospace and AI expertise from the drone and defence sectors. The company is building a scalable, license-ready system enabling OEM partners to deliver high-performance, zero-emission hydrofoiling vessels

Every Component Must Match the Ambition

NV1 was designed with one clear ambition: to redefine performance on water. From the very beginning, every component had to support that vision. Nothing could be added simply because it was standard practice. Every system had to earn its place.

When evaluating low-speed maneuvering solutions, three requirements were non-negotiable: silence, weight efficiency, and absolute control.

Rim Drive Technology delivered all three.

1. Silence without mechanical compromise

Traditional thrusters rely on central shafts and gearboxes. These systems add mechanical complexity and generate noise. NV1 takes a different approach.

Rim Drive’s fully electric motor removes the central shaft and gearbox entirely. The result:

Significantly reduced underwater noise
Fewer mechanical components
Smoother torque delivery
Higher reliability

For a vessel designed around the idea of “silent flight,” acoustic control is essential. Low-speed noise is often the most noticeable sound on board. By eliminating mechanical friction points, NV1 maintains silence where it matters most.

2. Lightweight architecture for extended range

Weight directly affects range, efficiency, and performance. A heavier vessel requires more energy to move and reduces overall endurance. The compact design of a Rim Drive motor allows for a smaller footprint, reduced component mass and a high power-to-weight ratio.

The 5kW stern thruster weighs only 5 kg, contributing minimally to overall vessel mass while maintaining full maneuvering capability. This contributes directly to NV1’s performance targets:

Up to 80 km/h top speed
Up to 100 km range

Performance without range is incomplete. Efficiency makes speed usable.

3. Seamless control and electronic integration

True ownership experience is defined at low speed. High-speed performance is important, but precise control in harbors and tight spaces is what owners use every day. The Rim Drive thruster plays a key role in holding position, spinning in place, precise docking and autonomous positioning.

When integrated with NV1’s propulsion motors and flight control system, the thruster becomes more than a utility component. Docking becomes controlled, and autonomous navigation becomes practical.

NV1 operates on a high-voltage electric architecture, and Rim Drive’s system integrates directly into this platform. This direct integration simplifies overall system architecture and reduces conversion inefficiencies.

Shared Vision and Strategic Partnership

For ENVGO, choosing Rim Drive Technology was about more than technology. It was about choosing a technology partner capable of matching:

Aerospace-level control standards
Silent performance expectations
Integrated electric architecture
A long-term innovation roadmap

Rim Drive Technology develops and builds its systems in the Netherlands, with a strong focus on innovation, research, and sustainability. Their commitment to continuous development and responsible production fits closely with ENVGO’s goal: leading the shift toward clean, intelligent marine mobility.

NV1 was built to raise the standard on water. To achieve that, every component and every partner must truly fit the ambition.

ENVGO made its U.S. debut at the Palm Beach International Boat Show (March 25-29), where NV1 will was showcased at the Superyacht Show at Palm Harbor. If you didn’t have the chance at experience NV1 at Palm Beach, request your exclusive demo at www.envgo.com

“For NV1, silence, lightweight efficiency, and precise low-speed controls were non-negotiable. The Rim Drive thruster delivers all three and integrates cleanly into our high-voltage platform without mechanical complexity.”

Sam Domaratzki - Mechanical and Test engineer ENVGO

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Electric Rim Drive Motors: The Ideal Propulsion Solution for Unmanned Surface Vessels

Nick Ruinard — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 08:11:21 +0000

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are becoming essential in modern maritime operations. They are used for surveying, monitoring, inspection, security, and research in challenging environments and without human intervention. To perform reliably, USVs need a propulsion system that is efficient, robust, and low maintenance.

Shaftless Design for Reliable USV Operation

Unlike conventional propellers, rim drive motors feature a shaftless design. By eliminating the central shaft, the risk of entanglement with ropes, debris, or fishing nets is greatly reduced. This is a major advantage for unmanned vessels operating in coastal areas, ports, and inland waterways.

Rim Drive Technology’s electric motors are designed to excel in the most demanding environments. Whether navigating through polluted waters or areas with heavy sediment and sand, these motors deliver outstanding reliability and efficiency.

Low Maintenance Electric Marine Propulsion

Maintenance is one of the biggest cost drivers for unmanned systems. By having only one rotating part, the maintenance of a rim drive is limited.

The motors can run for thousands of hours without maintenance. This makes them ideal for unmanned platforms that require long endurance and minimal servicing.

The motor is fully cast in epoxy and vacuum-potted, creating a completely sealed unit. This design prevents water ingress and ensures long-term performance.

High Maneuverability and Precise Control

USVs often require precise maneuvering and dynamic positioning. Rim drive motors offer excellent maneuverability, either as steerable POD units or in dual fixed-POD configurations with differential steering.

All motor and battery data is accessible via the motor controller, providing full system insight for autonomous navigation and remote operation. The motors support CAN-based wireless control, enabling seamless integration into modern USV control systems.

Flexible Integration for USV Designers

Every unmanned vehicle is different. That is why rim drive motors are designed with flexible cable options and easy system integration in mind. This allows naval architects, system integrators, and OEMs to adapt the propulsion system to their specific USV platform and mission requirements.

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A Smarter Way to Navigate: Dynamic Positioning for Boaters

Nick Ruinard — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 13:10:09 +0000

Our new dynamic Positioning system provides a completely new way of docking and maneuvering your boat. With traditional docking, operators constantly fight against wind and current, making continuous manual corrections to maintain control. As a company known for delivering highly maneuverable motor solutions, we saw an opportunity to further enhance the boating experience for our clients.

Our Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) is designed to work with different motor configurations across a wide range of boats.

Virtual Anchor: Hold position with your boat

Holding a boat in one place can be challenging and stressful. With our Virtual Anchor feature, the DPS removes that burden entirely.

By simply activating Virtual Anchor, the system automatically maintains your boat’s exact position, keeping it steady regardless of wind or current. Even in very deep water where traditional anchoring is not possible, you can remain safely in place.

Heading Mode: Adjust Your Direction With Ease

Our Heading Mode gives operators the freedom to fine-tune their boat’s orientation with remarkable simplicity. By gently twisting the joystick while moving, you can adjust the heading by a few degrees. This makes precise maneuvers, such as aligning your boat perfectly while docking, effortless and smooth.

Side Shift Movement: Total Control in Challenging Conditions

Windy days and strong currents can make docking particularly difficult. For these situations, we developed the Parking Control Mode, enabling flawless side-shift movements.

Once parking mode is activated, pushing the joystick in any direction moves your boat linearly in that exact direction. This removes the stressful feeling of not being in control.

A Perfect Fit for Any Vessel

Our system is compatible with all NMEA2000 GPS units, making it ideal for both new builds and refit projects. Clients who have tested and implemented the system consistently report increased confidence, greater comfort at the helm, and an overall sense of complete control.

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Sustainable boating with Rim Drive Technology

Nick Ruinard — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 13:19:25 +0000

Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and to enhance your experience, we’ve created a series of installation and service videos which provide our customers with a clear step-by-step guide. Our goal is to simplify the process of installing and repairing our products, making it more accessible and user-friendly.

Showcased at METSTRADE 2023

We have already shown these installation and service videos on our screens during the METSTRADE 2023 exhibition, where we received positive feedback. The visitors that had questions regarding these topics were easily helped by showing these videos. It also helped us to explain some of the finer details.

Release schedule

These installation and service videos will be released every Monday on our YouTube channel and social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Instagam. Additionally, when you purchase our products, you’ll receive these videos along with the standard manual.

To bundle this all together, we are working on a learning platform for distributors in which these animated videos will be located. This will further educate our distributors, dealers and service partners about the products and help them answer your questions.

Want to get more information?

In case you would like to receive information about specifications, prices, or anything else, we would like to ask you to contact our sales team via sales@rimdrivetechnology.nl or +31 (0) 85 482 48 55.

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Maintenance free technology

Nick Ruinard — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:35:42 +0000

Because we have spent many years researching the best motor, which offers the ultimate experience for the customer, we have developed an motor that is almost maintenance-free.

A Rim Drive contains it’s electric winding in the outer (stator) housing. This housing is casted to avoid any use of sealings. The inner housing which contains the magnetics is also potted to avoid any internal corrosion. The bearing system is water lubricated and will last for thousands of hours by normal use. And because of the shaftless design, our product will never suffer from stuck fishing nets, plastic or other products that can cause your engine to seize.

A Rim Drive consists of only one rotating part which reducethe amount of maintenance.
the moment service is still required, it can in most cases be solved by yourself, through our animation videos.

Our electric motor service is effortless; a propeller, inlet/outlet ring, or anode can be replaced in under 2 minutes with our explainer animation.

If you are interested in our products; you can always visit our website for datasheets, STEP files and manuals, contact our sales team at: sales@rimdrivetechnology.nl or +31 (0) 85 482 48 55.

Get in contact

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Offer comprehensive system

Nick Ruinard — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 14:15:54 +0000

In order to provide the customer with a total solution for their application, we can offer our customers a total system. Our total system consists of several product categories, this ranges from our electric rim drive motors to batteries, throttles and all accessories.

For boat builders, we provide an easy-to-assemble package that consists of a plug and play system that is easy to integrate into any boat. And for the end user it is a product that consists of few compartments making it easy to repair. We offer a wide range of accessories which increases the user friendliness of our motors. To provide the best customer experience, our accessories work efficiently with all our rim drive products.

Purchasing a total system package for your application offers our customers numerous advantages. First, it ensures compatibility between different components, guaranteeing optimal performance and efficiency. This is because all of our products are tested with each other. This means that we are committed to the quality of our products. By purchasing all the necessary components in one package, customers no longer need to buy individual parts, saving time and effort. Furthermore, choosing a complete system package with us includes comprehensive support services, such as help with installation through our explainer animations and manuals.

Let’s start a conversation!
Would you like to receive information about specifications, prices, or anything else, we would like to ask you to contact our sales team via sales@rimdrivetechnology.nl or +31 (0) 85 482 48 55.

Get in contact

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Rim Drive Technology CO2 neutral for 2024!

Nick Ruinard — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 09:47:52 +0000

With our products we aim to create an amazing experience on the water without causing harm to the environment. Sailing without noise. Besides not disturbing nature, the experience of your passengers is much more pleasant. Birds are not scared away and you can fully experience the surroundings in absolute silence.

The emission of an electric motor is zero. You are propelled cleanly and without any environmental impact. Our organization actively contributes to a sustainable world and SDG’s by developing innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

To continue where other companies lag behind, we want to compensate other CO2 emissions.
We decided to take the next step, compensating all CO2 emissions from our buildings. The team from Trees for All supported us to achieve this objective. Our monthly donation allows Treesforall to plant trees in one of their certified projects.

Today we received the official certificate!

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Revolutionizing Power: The Arrival of the 75kW Motor

Nick Ruinard — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 08:22:25 +0000

We aree always looking for new possibilities to provide more and better products to our customers.
With a wide range of boat sizes and applications, offering a variety of motor sizes ensures optimal performance and efficiency.

A 75kW electric motor is currently in development, promising enhanced efficiency and eco-friendly navigation. This innovation marks a significant stride towards sustainable maritime propulsion.

These motors are available as POD-, steerable POD-, and as bow thruster solutions.

Get in contact

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The advantages of a Rim Drive Technology bow thruster box

Nick Ruinard — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 08:28:51 +0000

Innovationn and quality drives our business, always pushing ourselves to realize better solutions for our customers. Our bow thruster boxes show these core values, delivering performance, durability, silence, and we are excited to talk about them.

Convenient and service on open water
At Rim Drive Technology, we redefine convenience by offering replacement and service options even while your boat is on open waters. Our bow thruster box ensures that maintenance and replacements can easily be performed without the need to dry-dock, saving you valuable time and effort.

Save time on easy installation
We understand the value of your time, and that’s why our products are designed with simplicity in mind. The easy installation process of the bow thruster boxes ensures that you spend less time on installation and more time enjoying the open waters. Our step-by-step guides and installation videos make the process not only straightforward but also enjoyable. By adding small adapter you can increase the height of the box to make sure it is above the waterline. Due to this you can realize a wet maintainable bow thruster solution.

Excited about our products?
In case you would like to receive information about specifications, prices, or anything else, we would like to ask you to contact our sales team via sales@rimdrivetechnology.nl or +31 (0) 85 482 48 55.

Get in contact

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