Nominations Open for the 2025 Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating
- Tess Smallridge
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 29
Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats and Boating (The Gussies), the world’s only international awards devoted to recognizing achievement and innovation in electric boats and boating. This year’s awards will feature a new category for Electric Personal Watercraft (PWC), e-Boards, and Water Toys.
Nominations are open now through October 19, 2025, followed by the announcement of finalists and a public voting period. Winners will be announced in November during METSTRADE in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Named in honor of Gustave Trouvé, the French inventor of the first electric vehicle and first outboard motor, The Gussies celebrate the inventors, designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who are driving the shift to clean, quiet, zero-emission marine propulsion. Since their launch in 2020, the Awards have grown into a truly global platform, with more than 160 boats nominated from over 25 countries in 2024 and 34 winners representing 21 nations.
The Gussies honors excellence within the entire spectrum of electric boats and vessels, from high-performance runabouts to hydrofoiling water taxis, solar-powered dayboats, ocean-going sailing yachts, and more.
The 2025 Gussies are presented with the support of two leaders in electrification: EPTechnologies is a complete marine propulsion provider for electric and hybrid vessels from small boats to luxury superyachts. Nautical Ventures is one of the most prominent marine retailers in North America, with an award-winning dealership network recognized for its scale and service.
“The Gussies are a celebration of global innovation and a rallying point for the fast-growing electric marine industry,” said Jeff Butler, Editor/Publisher of Plugboats. “We’re thrilled to open nominations for 2025 and look forward to showcasing the creativity and dedication of this year’s entrants.”
Award Categories for 2025
Electric Boats Up to 8 m (26 ft) — In Production and In Development
Electric Boats Over 8 m (26 ft) — In Production and In Development
Electric Sailboats
Retrofitted / Customized Electric Boats
Electric Workboats
PWC / e-Boards / Water Toys
Commercial Passenger Electric Boats — In Operation and In Development
Boats must have electric propulsion as their main drive system. Hybrids qualify only if a full-electric version is offered for sale. Past Gussies winners are not eligible to enter the same category again.
Finalists are selected by an International Judging Panel made up of 12 representatives from electric boat associations, industry organizations, and the 35 past Gussies winners. Winners are chosen through a weighted vote: 75% jury, 25% public.
How to Nominate
Anyone, including boatbuilders, designers, associations, and individuals, may nominate a boat. The nomination form and full rules are available at: Nominate a boat in the 2025 Gussies Electric Boat Awards - Plugboats
About Plugboats
Plugboats was launched in February of 2019 to chronicle and promote advances in electric boats and provide information for consumers looking to switch to and find out more about electric marine propulsion. The site includes news about electric boats of all kinds, Buying Guides, Directories of 900+ Electric Boating Suppliers, and an online Marketplace of Electric Boats and Motors For Sale and Electric Boat Rental outlets. The site has now welcomed more than 4 million visitors. www.plugboats.com
About EPTechnologies
EPTechnologies is a complete marine propulsion provider for electric and hybrid vessels from small boats to luxury superyachts. Experienced sailors and boat owners themselves, they guide customers and clients through the process of turning dreams into real electric and hybrid vessels, offering the highest quality solutions that make economic sense. Saildrives and powerboat systems emphasize ease of use, exceptional performance and sleek design and are supported by in-house solid-state and standard lithium-ion batteries, DC generators and EPMS software paired with user-friendly apps for complete control wherever you are.
About Nautical Ventures
Nautical Ventures is one of the most prominent marine retailers in North America, with nine locations across Florida and an award-winning dealership network recognized for its scale and service. The company offers a broad portfolio of boats, from internal combustion to electric, along with a full suite of after-sales support, service, and consumer activations. Its expanding lineup also includes water toys and watersports products, reinforcing its reputation as a go-to destination for everything on the water. As part of Vision Marine Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR), Nautical Ventures combines proven retail strength with advanced technology integration to accelerate new product adoption and deliver unmatched boating experiences to consumers.