Electric boating pioneers eD-TEC – whose revolutionary eD-QDrive system and its first application in the exciting high-performance eD-32 c-Ultra RIB – have always had their sights set on inspiring change. With the realisation of their plug-and-play drivetrain and the Technology Stack behind it, you might have thought that the change that they – and the eD-TEC Believer Team of partner companies – set out to instil has been achieved.
However, there’s more to eD-TEC than a game-changing marine e-mobility solution. In fact, the eD-QDrive and the eD-32 c-Ultra performance RIB are just the first manifestations of a much larger plan that has been a core aim of the company since its inception three years ago.
Now, another part of that vision is being revealed – an exclusive development of five private, ultra-luxury villas in Croatia that will not only be 95 percent off-grid thanks to solar power generation and cutting-edge batteries for energy storage, but will also come complete with their own eD-32 electric RIBs for enjoying the stunning lakes, fjords and coastline of Croatia.
“Croatia is the perfect location for our first villa development, because not only are the coastline, islands, inland lakes and hinterland absolutely stunning, but also it is easy to reach from Europe,” says Michael Jost, founder of eD-TEC. “There are several key airports, and you can easily drive to Croatia from Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary and surrounding countries. What’s more, it’s part of the European Union and the Euro exchange area.”
Perfect location
The villas will enjoy a prime position on Prokljan Lake in the stunning Dalmatia region of Croatia, 45 minutes from Zagreb and Split airports and with the towns of Skradin and Sibenik nearby, and both the Skradinski Buk waterfalls and the coast and islands a short boat-ride away. The villas have been conceived in line with eD-TEC’s broader philosophy of sustainable living and e-solutions, and the development is part of a wider plan to create Croatia’s first SMART area – a CO2-neutral tourism destination that pre-empts future legislated green zones and the Paris 2050 agreement by being 100 percent electrified. This includes solar villas and berthing, solar konobas, SMART routes and SMART charging encompassing a network of fast-charge points throughout the surrounding area for electric vehicles both on water and on land. eD-TEC labels the concept the eD-BAY, and it is bringing all its expertise in charging and electric solutions to develop the extended SMART area around the villas by 2030.
“We can imagine that in a few years you won’t be allowed to drive with combustion-engined boats on the Croatian lakes and fjords, for example,” Jost states, “so our decision to develop this small resort area with the five villas is part of a strategy to get ahead of the game and inspire change. The villas have solar panels and huge energy storage to deliver enough energy to power everything over night, and also through the winter when the sun is less powerful – and of course the villas are cooled, heated and ventilated using that same stored solar power, which means they will be comfortable at any time of year while using 100 percent renewable power.”
Home comforts
The villas themselves – offering more than 480 square metres of living space, along with a pool terrace of more than 130 square metres – have been conceived to offer all mod cons with the ultimate style and luxury, with all rooms looking out over the water. Every aspect of luxury life has been considered, with spaces for a gym and wellness elements as well as the usual family living. They have also been designed to cater to any and every age, incorporating a central elevator that serves all floors including the expansive basement, and every villa will be between 50 metres and 100 metres maximum from the shore, where each villa’s eD-32 c-Ultra electric RIB will be moored for exploring the lakes, waterfalls, fjords and coastline.
The villas can be purchased for build and completion by eD-TEC’s specialist team and associated construction partners, or can be built using a client’s own developers, and the fit and finish of the villas is open to the design preferences of each client, creating a bespoke private home in much the same way as building a one-off custom superyacht. “We have a plan for each villa in terms of it being in the right place and position, with the right shape and construction type, but at the end of the day the colours, materials and finishes as well as the layouts are down to the client,” Jost emphasises. “So, what shape rooms, what bathrooms, what lighting, what sound systems – these are all very specific preferences and all our clients will have their own needs and their own tastes. We are happy to guide people, or to provide them with the experts they need, or they are free to go in their own direction.”
“Three years ago we started the planning for the development, and two years ago we bought the plot,” Jost adds. “One year ago we started detailed planning and the applications for the permits, which are expected shortly, and then we are ready to start building. We expect the villas to be ready by the end of 2025 or start of 2026. This,” he emphasises, “is not just a concept on paper, it’s a real project, just like the extraordinary eD-32 we’ve been trialling and fine-tuning here in Croatia over the past few weeks! When we started eD-TEC,” he concludes, “it wasn’t just about technology for boats but also about an entire holistic e-lifestyle. It’s about how we as a company can guide you through your electric life in all its facets.”
