The Venetian cab 2.0: testing of Venice’s iconic boat

The lesson of Lucietta, Venice’s first all-electric cab, is an example of how technological innovations and novelties are often not a priori right or wrong, but should “only” be put into context. Why might this boat set the standard? Let’s start with the numbers: it is 9 meters long and 2.30 meters wide, so very narrow, and also very low: 2.10 meters. For once the watchword is not space, but functionality, a functionality for those in Venice, on the canals and in the lagoon, who work there every day and all day. Lucietta has to pass under the bridges of the Serenissima, has to cross the vaporetti and especially the gondolas between the narrow rii in the middle of the city’s palaces.

The 100% electric Venetian cab

This project, carried out by Repower (a Swiss energy supplier), 100% electric was built by Cantiere Motonautico Serenella on the island of Murano, a leading name in the construction of traditional Venetian cabs and motorboats for more than 40 years. The extra touch of style, then, comes from Nauta Yachts, which in the world of design, sail and motor, needs little introduction. Underlying the whole operation, however, was a survey of Venetian taxi drivers to find out exactly what their needs were. The challenge was complex, both in terms of design and aesthetics: they had to be given the opportunity to work at their best while at the same time reinterpreting the traits of an absolutely unique traditional design.

Forbidden to enter Venice without respecting its history and culture. Successful operation? From an aesthetic point of view, I liked the boat: it came to elegantly combine the stylistic features of tradition but with many cues toward modernity. Even at its official presentation at the Venice Boat Show 2025 (and where else?) it got good acclaim, from the public and also, even more importantly, from the city’s various insiders and taxi drivers. But here everyone, of course, is free to have their say.

How Repower’s 100% electric cab sails

Lucietta can carry up to 14 people, has a 200 kW full electric propulsion powered by a 180 kWh battery pack. It has a Konrad stern foot with counter-rotating propellers. The range figures are interesting: with a remarkable top speed, it can reach 28-30 knots, about 50 km/h, working at Venetian regulation gaits (7 km/h in smaller canals, 20 km/h in main canals) it can cover an entire working day without problems:

– at 3 knots, the range is up to 39 hours at medium load, 31 at full passenger load.

– at 6 knots , 19.5 hours at medium load, and 16 hours at full load

– at 11 knots, the time before having to recharge electrons is 4 hours at medium load and 3.2 at full load.

Also good are the charging times, which of course, depend on the charging station referred to: they range from 1.2 hours to go from 20 to 80 percent charging with a 120 kW charging power, going from 2.2 hours for a 50 kW station to 15.4 hours in case of 7 kW charging.

In any case, in summary, it means that Lucietta has a full day’s work of autonomy and can be safely recharged in the night.

The technological construction

In addition to propulsion, Lucietta’s construction is also sicurante technological: fine craftsmanship and mahogany wood inserts carved by the shipwrights at Cantiere Serenella are echoed by a hull made of recycled carbon and composite. They also camp a series of finishes made from an innovative material that uses waste from the processing of glass specifically from the island of Murano (thanks to a collaboration with the startup Rehub).In addition to propulsion, Lucietta’s construction is also safe-technological: the refined workmanship and mahogany wood inserts carved by the shipwrights at Cantiere Serenella are echoed by a hull made of recycled carbon and composite. Also camping out are a series of finishes made from an innovative material that uses waste from the processing of glass specifically from the island of Murano (thanks to a collaboration with startup Rehub).

The layout of the Venetian cab

Finally, two words should also be spent on the layout of the boat; unlike the latest generation of Venetian cabs, it has in fact a second small cockpit at the stern, which obviously gives more space on board (for four seats, convertible into a sundeck). This is because electric propulsion has saved significant volumes right there.

Heresy? Philologically wrong? No, indeed. In fact, the very first Venetian cabs (until about the first half of the 1970s) had the engine at the bow and a long shaft line, so they too could enjoy the same free area at the stern… in other words, when the future meets-really- the past.

THE VENICE TAXI 2.0 – Strengths

1 – Very advanced pilot’s station, everything is easier for the pilot.

2 – The electric motor is smaller and frees up space for a second aft cockpit, which increases the number of seats available for transport. Even the very first Venetian cabs, until the 1970s, having the engine in the bow could rely on this solution.

3 – Great autonomy: the propulsion system ensures a full day of trouble-free work, with a full charge overnight.

4 – Reduced maintenance. Electric motors need many fewer trips to the mechanic. This means lower costs and also fewer idle boat hours.

5 – Great ease of access on board, both laterally and aft.

6 – Quietness and minimal wave production. Everything on Lucietta is designed to best blend into the marine/city environment of Venice.

7 – Tailor-made: Lucietta’s dimensions are designed specifically to pass under Venetian bridges and to move with agility between canals.