A WaterCar is a fully functional amphibious vehicle — a true car-boat hybrid that drives on roads and operates as a boat on water, transitioning seamlessly between both modes.
Most “amphibious” vehicles are modified boats that barely function on land, or cars with floats bolted on. WaterCar builds purpose-engineered amphibious vehicles with over 25 years of development, 27+ patents, and real-world performance validation. WaterCar is also the only amphibious vehicle manufacturer in the world certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) — the industry’s highest quality and safety standard.
You drive into the water. Once afloat, an integrated hydraulic system retracts the wheels and engages marine jet propulsion. The transition takes seconds. The road and water propulsion systems are completely separate — each operates independently. To exit, reverse the process and drive out.
The land systems are already fully electric. For marine propulsion, major outboard manufacturers are developing high-performance electric outboards, but the technology isn’t yet mature for the power levels required. WaterCar is monitoring these advancements closely and is ready to offer a fully electric option when viable high-horsepower electric outboards become available — anticipated around 2030.
Yes. The WaterCar EV has a similar footprint to an extended cab F-150 or Chevy truck — approximately 19.5 feet long by 6.5 feet wide. If a standard pickup fits in your garage, your WaterCar EV will too.
This was intentional. We designed it for easy storage and practical road use — not as an oversized novelty that requires a warehouse.
The WaterCar EV has a significant shipping advantage over traditional boats. It ships via standard car carrier or fits inside a standard 20-foot shipping container — no oversized permits, no specialized boat haulers, no wide-load escorts.
We ship to all 50 states and worldwide. Because the WaterCar uses the same global logistics infrastructure as automobiles, you get more carriers, more routes, and lower costs than typical marine transport.
Up to approximately 40 mph, depending on conditions and configuration. That’s real planing-hull sport boat performance.
The street-legal LSV configuration operates up to 25 mph — the federal maximum for Low Speed Vehicles. The international/off-road version (not street-legal) can reach 35 mph.
Yes. The WaterCar EV is designed for open water use including ocean, coastal bays, and offshore conditions. The hull is engineered for stability, planing, and wave handling. Follow Coast Guard recommendations for vessel size relative to conditions and check weather reports before heading out.
No. On land, it drives like an electric car. On water, it handles like a premium sport boat. If you can drive and have basic boating sense, you can operate a WaterCar.
Yes. The WaterCar EV is manufactured as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) under federal standards and carries a VIN number for road registration, just like any car. LSVs can typically be driven on public roads with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less. Specific requirements vary by state — check with your local DMV.
Yes. WaterCar is a U.S. Coast Guard registered boat builder. Every WaterCar EV carries a Hull Identification Number (HIN) for vessel registration. The company voluntarily meets stringent Coast Guard safety requirements — even though amphibious vehicles aren’t required to — because WaterCar doesn’t compromise on safety.
Typically yes — dual registration is required in most jurisdictions. You’ll register it as a motor vehicle (using the VIN) and as a vessel (using the HIN). We recommend checking with your local authorities for specific requirements in your area.
Depends on your state. Some states require boater education certificates; others don’t. Check your state’s boating authority. You’ll need a valid driver’s license for road operation.
No — and here’s where it gets interesting. WaterCar holds a patent on an integrated trailer system: the vehicle itself becomes the trailer. Using the hydraulic system, the front wheels raise and a front-end attachment allows the WaterCar to be towed on its rear wheels at highway speeds. So you can drive directly into the water with no trailer needed. But you can also tow it behind a motorhome or tow vehicle when you want to. No more choosing between bringing the car or the boat — bring both.
Yes. The WaterCar EV is designed to fit in a standard residential garage — approximately 19.5 feet long by 6.5 feet wide. Similar footprint to an SUV or full-size truck.
Standard household outlet — 110v or 220v depending on your location. The smart charger automatically detects voltage (220v max). No special electrical installation required.
Lakes, rivers, reservoirs, coastal waters, harbors, open ocean, saltwater, freshwater — anywhere you’d take a comparable recreational boat. Plus you can drive there.
Yes. The hull and components are built with marine-grade corrosion-resistant materials for saltwater use. Like any boat, rinse with fresh water after saltwater exposure.
It’s designed for recreational and waterfront use — not freeway commuting. Think of it as your watercraft and shore vehicle combined.
Aluminum, stainless steel, and epoxy coatings. Marine-grade and aerospace-grade alloys throughout — stronger and more corrosion-resistant than typical fiberglass boats. Built with the precision of aircraft manufacturing.
No. Every WaterCar is handcrafted in Southern California with over 1,000 hours of skilled labor by a team of world-class designers and builders.
Since 1999. This isn’t a startup experiment — it’s proven technology from the company that created the modern amphibious vehicle category.
Less than you’d think. The land systems are electric — no oil changes, no engine maintenance. Brakes and tires eventually, but mileage is typically minimal. The water systems require standard outboard maintenance, similar to any boat with an outboard motor. The hull has an epoxy-Teflon type finish that resists buildup — wash it down with soap and water. WD-40 on suspension components after saltwater use. No trailer to maintain. No tow vehicle wear.
Almost anyone — and that’s by design. The WaterCar EV was intentionally engineered using widely available, standard components so you’re never stranded waiting for specialty service. On the water side, the outboard is a Mercury — the most popular marine outboard in the world, made by the largest marine manufacturer in the world. Any marine mechanic anywhere knows how to service it. Parts are available worldwide. On the land side, we use standard off-the-shelf automotive components. Any local car mechanic can work on them. Many owners use mobile mechanics for convenience. Or do it yourself — no proprietary tools or dealer-only diagnostics required. The vehicle was designed from the start to be serviced anywhere, by anyone qualified to work on boats or cars.
Yes. Warranty coverage follows established marine industry norms — 5-year hull, with individual components carrying their respective manufacturer warranties. The Mercury outboard has the factory OEM warranty, the lithium battery has a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. We use name-brand, well-known parts throughout. Full warranty terms are provided at purchase.
Waterfront property owners. Boating enthusiasts tired of trailer hassles. People who always wanted a boat but didn’t want the complexity. Luxury recreation buyers. Anyone who lives near or enjoys the water.
The WaterCar EV is a custom, hand-built vehicle made to order — similar to aircraft, fine boats, and luxury sports cars. Pricing varies depending on intended use, options, and outboard selection. Contact us for a consultation and quote.
Yes. We offer a list of add-on features and options. The base platform and structure are fixed, but configuration options are available within that framework.
We don’t currently offer in-house financing. Payment is by cash or credit card.
A $5,000 refundable deposit secures your position in our production schedule. This is standard practice for high-end custom vehicles — it confirms buyer seriousness and allows us to manage production resources.
Each WaterCar EV is built to order. Typical build time is 8-12 weeks depending on configuration and production schedule.
Yes. After placing the refundable deposit, you can schedule a test drive experience. We typically spend about 4 hours with you — driving on land and water, demonstrating all systems, and letting you operate the vehicle yourself.
Yes. WaterCar sells and ships worldwide — we’ve delivered to customers in hundreds of countries. All vehicles are sold FOB Fountain Valley, California. Shipping costs, taxes, and import fees depend on destination and are the buyer’s responsibility.
Because you’re getting both in one machine — custom-engineered, handcrafted, with patented amphibious technology. Compare the total cost of a boat plus trailer plus tow vehicle plus storage plus maintenance on all three, and the value proposition becomes clear.
Convenience — no trailer hassles, drive directly into the water. Capability — real boat performance, real road functionality. Quality — 25+ years of engineering, NMMA certified, Coast Guard compliant. And the simple fact that nothing else like it exists.
