A former Tesla executive has brought his newest electric project to St. Pete. Blue Innovations Group (BIG) is a sustainable technology company founded by John Vo, the former Global Head of Manufacturing at Tesla, and his first project with the new venture is soon making its debut.

The company is focused on electric boats and sustainable marine technology, and its first product is the R30, a 30ft all-electric power boat with 800 horsepower dual motors and solar charging capability. The boats are being produced at the company’s manufacturing facility in Pinellas Park, giving the area yet another connection to the business and innovation of the sustainability industry.

R30 is making its first big splash in early January at one of the world’s biggest expos, being showcased on the main floor of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas January 5-8. BIG will use the opportunity to demonstrate their innovative hull, propulsion system, and user experience they have designed for the R30.

BIG aims to become a global force, with a mission “to enable the world’s transition from land to water with sustainable solutions.” The company was founded in 2021, and Vo relocated headquarters from Silicon Valley to St. Pete “because of the innovative workforce and local support for high-tech manufacturing” in the Tampa Bay Area.

Reservations for the R30 are already available, a boat with a 12-person capacity that can run for eight hours on a full charge, with max speeds of 45 mph. BIG expects to begin delivering the R30 in 2024. Alongside the launch of R30, BIG is also planning to install its first Blue Fast Charger (BFC) in Florida, eventually expanding throughout the country and world.

Learn more at blueinnovationsgroup.com.