Aerofoils GmbH develops and markets the Audi e-tron foil as a spin-off of Audi AG. An eFoil that floats above the water. Audi's flying surfboard was the first jet-powered eFoil. It came to market in 2022.
Founders Christian Rößler and Franz Hofmann have been developing an electric hydrofoil since 2017. While Christian brought a technical background in aerodynamics, Franz, a kitesurfer, has been an engineer at Audi AG since 2016 and worked on alternative propulsion systems.
As an Audi employee, Franz was able to convince the marketing team to present the first prototypes under Audi e-tron brand at car shows. Today, Audi AG is an investor of Aerofoils GmbH and supports with know how and technologies.
The larger Audi e-tron foil Adventure model is 14,869 EUR incl. 19% VAT. The smaller performance board for sporty riders is priced at 15,369 EUR.
The Aerofoils eFoil is not manufactured by Audi AG. However, it was designed by an Audi engineer who then motivated the marketing team to market it. The Audi e-tron foil is manufactured by Aerofoils GmbH from Bavaria. Audi is a partner and the managing director is still an employee of the group.
Basically yes. eFoils are classified as small craft or "miscellaneous" by the Wasserstraßenschifffahrtsamt in Germany and must carry a license plate as soon as they have more than 2.21 kW (3 hp) of power. Other rules may apply to local waters. For example, eSurfboards are not allowed on Bavarian lakes and Lake Constance. In Austria the rules are not clear and in Switzerland motorized surfboards are not allowed. You can find out more here.
No, with one exception. eFoils are licensed as recreational craft and thus people 16 years of age and older may operate them without a license, as long as the power is less than 15 hp (11.03 kW). Aerofoils eFoils have an output of less than 5 kW. The exception are a few waters where the power limit is 5 hp (3.68 kW), such as on parts of the Rhine. You can find out more from local authorities, such as the Wasserstraßenschifffahrtsamt (WSA).
The Aerofoils surfboard is a so-called eFoil. An eFoil floats - thanks to a mast under the surfboard to which a wing and motor is attached - about 70 cm above the water. The official name of the Aerefoils surfboard is Audi e-tron foil by Aerofoils.
