Amphibious cars have been an object of fascination for designers and engineers throughout history. The possibility of driving a car on the road and at the same time navigating it on water has always been a technical and creative challenge that continues to inspire innovations in the field of mobility since attempts were made in 1700 to build the first floating carriages.
In previous information published in Moveo, we have echoed different advances in this area much closer in time. From functional prototypes with more than six decades of history, such as the convertible Amphicar 700 that was presented as one of the most relevant novelties at the New York Auto Show in 1961, to futuristic concepts, such as the all-terrain vehicle from the Ukrainian company Atlas Industry. .
Although they are very specific and unusual vehicles compared to conventional automobiles, amphibious cars continue to be marketed and attract the attention of a diverse audience: from adventure enthusiasts to businessmen interested in versatile transportation solutions to combine their leisure time. between driving and navigation.
From the United States comes to us, from the company WaterCar, a new proposal for an amphibious car. This company, located in the south of the state of California, has put on the market a six-seater, 4.5 meter long model designed especially to be driven on the road and navigate on water. The amphibious car has been baptized with the same name as the manufacturing company and only the initials EV have been added, which identify it as an electric vehicle.
The WaterCar-EV features an innovative design that includes retractable wheels, a virtually unsinkable foam-filled aluminum hull, and a canopy that functions as a support bar to facilitate access and exit for its occupants. Its all-terrain tires are designed to drive both on sandy surfaces and on dry land. It also stands out for its lightness, since it weighs less than 820 kilos, an important factor in its navigable configuration.
On a technological level, the WaterCar-EV is equipped with a 5 kW induction motor and can reach a maximum speed of 30 mph (equivalent to 55 km/h) in water and 25 mph (about 40 km/h) on land . Its range in navigation mode is 75 miles (about 140 km) and in land driving mode is 20 miles (about 37 km), expandable with optional lithium-ion batteries and regenerative braking.
This range limitation restricts the WaterCar’s ability to function as a conventional land vehicle beyond local routes. However, it becomes an attractive proposition for those who live near the coast and are looking for a vehicle that allows them to travel both on land and by water.
The vehicle’s adaptability is highlighted by a single steering wheel for seamless navigation and transition between land and water modes with the push of a button. It can accommodate up to six people in its comfortable interior, which is accessed through an easy-access side door. It has the corresponding approval to circulate on public roads and can be towed by a motorhome without the need for a trailer.
Regarding the price, the WaterCar-EV starts at a minimum of 125,000 dollars (about 117,000 euros) and increases as the customization options and additional features advance. The company does not accept installment payments and requires a deposit at the time of booking.
