Photon Support in California State

PRESS RELEASE, JULY 8, 2025:

Photon Marine, a leading developer of high-performance electric outboard propulsion systems, and Silverback Marine, a premier manufacturer of commercial aluminum vessels, announced today that eight electric workboat configurations have been officially approved for funding through California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment (CORE) Voucher Program. This is the first electric outboard motor on the voucher program, and it validates Photon’s commitment to serving the commercial harbor craft segment. 

Beginning in August, commercial fleet operators across California — including ports, harbor patrol, aquaculture, hydrographic research, construction, tourism, and enforcement agencies — will be eligible for up to $240,000 in vouchers per vessel, with an additional $60,000 available for small businesses and operators in disadvantaged communities. All customers are eligible for up to $100,000 available for shoreside charging infrastructure enhancements, bringing the maximum voucher for a fully electric system with infrastructure to a $400,000 incentive package.

“We believe that marine decarbonization starts and scales with small commercial harbor craft, and we see this program as an accelerant to that inevitable outcome,” said Marcelino J. Alvarez, CEO of Photon Marine. “Electric vessels are no longer a future concept — they’re a ready-to-deploy reality that will help commercial operators save money.”

Photon’s zero-emission propulsion systems deliver 300HP peak, 150HP of continuous power, capable of delivering instantaneous torque and quiet operations to customers who demand performance and desire a low-maintenance system. The electric outboards are being paired with Silverback’s rugged aluminum hulls, purpose-built for mission-critical operations. The approved configurations range from the nimble 18-foot SuperCub ideal for marina support, to the high-capacity 24-foot Sherpa designed for aquaculture, dredging, or heavy-duty utility work. Each vessel is outfitted with Photon’s P300 electric outboard motor and software-enabled fleet management system and with one or two motors, and up to 126 kWh of storage.

“We’ve built our vessels to take a beating — now we’re powering them for the future,” said Ian Gracey, CEO of Silverback Marine. “This partnership with Photon and the CORE program allows us to make electric vessels accessible to the operators who need them most — a customer could get into a brand new electric Grizzly for as little as $77,000 with this program. It’s a no-brainer for every commercial operator.”

Approved models include:

• Silverback Grizzly (24') – Ideal for port operations and hydrography
   
• Silverback Sherpa (24') – Designed for enforcement, patrol, transportation, and logistics
   
• Silverback VersaBarge (24') – For aquaculture, utilities, and dredging
   
• Silverback SuperCub (18') – Perfect for marinas, pump-out, or training

These boats are available for immediate procurement, with CORE vouchers reducing upfront costs by as much as 78%. CARB CORE is a first-come, first-served program. Photon Marine and Silverback Marine are currently booking consultations for interested organizations to help secure voucher allocations ahead of the August 1 program launch.

Learn more or schedule a consultation, email Chad White, chad@photonmarine.com.

About Photon Marine
Photon Marine builds high-performance electric outboard motor systems and fleet management software for commercial marine vessels. With powerful, low-maintenance propulsion and zero emissions, Photon is helping ports, research teams, and aquaculture operations transition to cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective operations. www.photonmarine.com

About Silverback Marine
Silverback Marine designs and manufactures commercial-grade aluminum boats for ports, governments, contractors, and maritime professionals. Based in Tacoma, Washington, Silverback’s rugged vessels are engineered for extreme utility and rapid deployment across a range of working conditions. www.silverbackmarine.com