This summer, the pristine waters of Lake Annecy became the stage for an ambitious and forward-thinking mobility experiment. Against the stunning backdrop of the French Alps, a sleek, futuristic vessel skimmed silently across the lake, capturing the curiosity of tourists and locals alike.

Lake Annecy, renowned for its turquoise waters, medieval canals, and culinary charm, faced its usual seasonal influx of visitors — and with it, the familiar headaches of traffic congestion and rising pollution. In response, the Greater Annecy Conurbation launched Mobil’Été, a seasonal initiative aimed at reducing road traffic and promoting sustainable transport alternatives. The program included free public buses and support for zero-emission mobility solutions — but this summer, it took an even bolder turn.

Enter SeaBubbles, a French startup specializing in electric hydrofoil boats. In collaboration with SeaBubbles Mobility Solutions and with support from local authorities, a pilot project was launched: a zero-emission boat service connecting central Annecy to Veyrier-du-Lac. What typically takes nearly an hour by car during peak tourist traffic became a smooth, 15-minute journey over water.

For 62 days, the Bubble — an electric, four-seat hydrofoil boat — glided across the lake, giving more than 2,000 passengers a taste of what the future of transport could feel like: quiet, clean, and seemingly airborne. With a striking design and the sensation of floating just above the water, the Bubble averaged an impressive 95% occupancy rate across the trial period.

Beyond the novelty, the numbers were telling. The pilot saved over 50 tons of CO₂ emissions over the summer, reinforcing the potential of such technology in reducing environmental impact without compromising on comfort or efficiency.

SeaBubbles Mobility Solutions acts as a connector between technology providers, local governments, and transport operators to establish turnkey zero-emission boat lines. This summer’s test run in Annecy offered a clear glimpse into what’s possible when innovation meets environmental urgency — a floating revolution that could reshape urban transport on water.

As the lake returns to its quieter rhythms, one thing is certain: this was more than a fleeting summer experiment. It was a signal that the future of mobility might just be foiling over the water.