Archipelago Expedition Yachts has released the first construction image of the A40-Electric, revealing the aluminium structure at an early stage of assembly. The project is being developed around an electric drivetrain while retaining the practical, expedition-focused approach of the wider Archipelago range.
The new build is based on the 12.2m (40ft) Archipelago A-40 platform, the smallest model in a range that extends into larger long-range explorer catamarans. Archipelago describes the standard A-40 as an ocean-capable platform developed around seakeeping, safety and practical use, with layouts that can be adapted for private, commercial and semi-commercial operation.
The Archipelago A40-Electric: Design, Layout and Explorer Capabilities
The A40-Electric takes Archipelago's existing compact catamaran platform and develops it around fully electric propulsion.
The underlying A-40 platform measures 12.2m and has been designed with a relatively narrow beam to allow it to fit into many conventional marina finger berths. Accommodation can be configured for up to six people, while custom layouts are available according to the owner's intended use.
The builder's latest update confirms that the yacht has been engineered around an electric drivetrain and identifies the project specifically as the A40-Electric.
Archipelago also positions the A-40 for activities extending beyond conventional leisure cruising, including fishing, diving and filming. The platform can be adapted to carry specialist equipment, supporting its role as a smaller expedition vessel rather than simply a recreational catamaran. Archipelago New Site
What Propulsion Options Are Available on the Archipelago A40?
The electric project represents one route within a wider propulsion strategy for the A-40. Archipelago's current specifications state that the motor yacht is available with several propulsion configurations, including hybrid and electric systems. The standard A-40 is currently advertised with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion, with a hybrid-solar option also referenced by the builder.
For conventional and hybrid versions, Archipelago quotes performance of up to 30 knots and a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles. Those figures should not yet be applied to the A40-Electric, however, as separate performance data for the fully electric explorer yacht has not been released.
Smaller engines, lower emissions, easier to berth, but with all of the capability and force needed to get you home after a day, a week, or a month on the sea."
Archipelago
The catamaran format also gives the A-40 a shallow draft, supporting access to anchorages and coastal cruising grounds where deeper-draft yachts may be restricted.
From A40 to A80: Archipelago's Growing Explorer Yacht Range
The start of the A40-Electric build comes as Archipelago develops projects at the opposite end of its range. In May 2026, the British builder confirmed a contract for the second 24.4m Archipelago A80, extending its long-range explorer program. The A80 platform uses an aluminium catamaran hull and has been developed around a Chartwell Marine hull form, with the second yacht introducing greater customization and expedition capability.
That second A80 is planned with hybrid diesel-electric propulsion and is designed for long-distance cruising, with YachtBuyer data listing a 5,000-nautical-mile range and a maximum speed of 28 knots.
The A40-Electric moves the builder's alternative-propulsion work into a much smaller platform. With the first structural frames now assembled, further details on the yacht's battery installation, drivetrain and projected performance are expected as construction progresses.
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