Homewood High & Dry Marina has long been a favorite destination for boaters seeking the beauty and serenity of Lake Tahoe. Now, the marina is making waves in a new way—by helping the region transition to electric boating and sustainable recreation.
The 3rd Annual Lake Tahoe Electric Transportation Forum, held on August 20 at the Tahoe Blue Events Center, brought together regional leaders, business owners, policy experts, and the public to explore electrifying transportation on and around Lake Tahoe. With three dedicated panels, the forum explored progress, challenges, and opportunities for a future where vehicles and recreational equipment rely less on fossil fuels and more on clean, electric energy.
Homewood High & Dry Marina: Pioneering On-the-Water Charging
Homewood’s David Topol was one of the forum’s featured panelists, sharing the marina’s journey as the first on-the-water electric boat charging station on Lake Tahoe. This milestone makes it easier than ever for boaters to recharge while enjoying the lake without contributing to air or water pollution. Topol emphasized that the initiative is not just about technology—it’s about creating a network of charging stations that can support more electric boats and reduce “range anxiety” for recreational users.
The forum highlighted key challenges faced by early adopters, including permitting, infrastructure upgrades, fluctuating water levels, and varying demands for electric boating. By addressing these challenges, Homewood is helping to pave the way for a sustainable future where electric boating is the new norm.
Electric Transportation Beyond the Water
Forum discussions weren’t limited to boating. Panelists explored how electric transportation can reshape Lake Tahoe’s roads and public transit. Speakers included leaders from local government, planning agencies, and zero-emission technology companies, who discussed initiatives such as:
- Transitioning buses and shuttles to electric and hydrogen fuel cell power
- Developing fast- and slow-charging networks for day visitors and long-term travelers
- Leveraging transit hubs, parking garages, and marinas to incentivize zero-emission commuting
- Using solar-powered infrastructure to support micro-transit and other alternative transportation
Panelists stressed that a holistic approach is needed—one that combines electric land transportation with electrified recreation. For instance, integrating electric ferries, like the hydrofoil project presented by FlyTahoe, could offer fast, emission-free lake crossings while minimizing shoreline erosion.
A Vision for a Cleaner Tahoe
One resounding theme of the forum was the importance of collaboration. Public agencies, local businesses, and community members must work together to develop and maintain the infrastructure needed for a zero-emission future. As Devin Middlebrook from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency noted, Tahoe is the perfect testing ground for these technologies because of its unique combination of tourism, recreation, and environmental stewardship.
For Homewood High & Dry Marina, the forum reinforced the marina’s commitment to leading by example. With the first on-the-water charging station in place and plans to expand as demand grows, the marina is demonstrating that sustainable boating is not only possible—it’s enjoyable.
Experience Electric Boating Yourself
Visitors to Homewood High & Dry Marina can witness electric boating in action and even take part in this new era of clean recreation. Whether you’re docking your own electric boat, renting a vessel, or just curious about how electrified recreation works, the marina provides a glimpse into a future where sustainability and recreation coexist beautifully.
By supporting initiatives like electric boat charging stations, Tahoe is positioning itself as a leader in environmentally conscious tourism. Homewood High & Dry Marina invites you to be part of this journey—where innovation meets the water, and clean fun is just a charge away.