The world’s largest vehicle is currently under construction and is preparing to enter service later in 2026, setting multiple global records in the maritime industry.
A massive electric ferry, China Zorrilla, built by Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania, recently moved under its own power for the first time.
Once operational, the ship is expected to redefine sustainable shipping with its fully electric propulsion system.
40 Megawatts Power Onboard
Under the deck, the ferry houses an extraordinary 250 tonnes of batteries capable of delivering up to 40 megawatts (MW) of power. That energy capacity is equivalent to powering approximately 487 Tesla electric vehicles simultaneously.
The battery system is also four times larger than any previous maritime battery installation. It makes it the largest of its kind ever deployed at sea.
The ferry requires this immense power to transport up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles per trip. Despite its enormous size, it can reach an impressive top speed of 29 miles per hour.
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Titanic-Sized Electric Giant
Measuring over 426 feet (130 meters) in length and weighing approximately 14,000 gross tonnes, the China Zorrilla rivals historic ocean liners like the RMS Titanic in overall scale. Its size makes even the largest electric trucks look small by comparison.
Initially, the vessel was planned to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, developers shifted to full-electric propulsion, a move aligned with global sustainability goals. This is a push toward zero-emission transport in the maritime industry.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million. Sea trials began in January 2026, about eight months after the ship was launched at Incat’s Tasmanian facility.
Connecting South America
Once testing concludes, the ferry will be deployed in South America. It is set to operate across the River Plate, linking Buenos Aires, Argentina, with ports in Uruguay. The route is one of the busiest regional crossings. This ferry will be perfect for high-capacity, low-emission transport.
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Beyond its engineering achievements, the vessel will also offer a significant passenger experience upgrade. Inside, travelers will find a 25,000-square-foot retail space, the largest shopping area ever built on a ferry. The design aims to combine efficiency, sustainability, and comfort.
As global industries walk toward decarbonization, the China Zorrilla defines how electric vehicle technology is expanding beyond roads and into oceans. With its incredible battery capacity, passenger volume, and size, the ferry positions itself as the largest electric vehicle ever built.
