Upgrade your Electronic Vessel Control (EVC)

Electronic Vessel Control is Volvo Penta's drive-by-wire system that allows you to control and monitor all maneuvering functions, including throttle, gearshift, steering and trim. By upgrading your boat to the EVC-E4 generation you can add new Volvo Penta accessories and enjoy an up-to-date marine control system without having to buy a new boat.

EVC upgrade options

Upgrading your boat’s EVC gives you access to modern hardware like joysticks and displays, innovative features including Assisted Docking and Dynamic Positioning System, together with intuitive controls for easier maneuvering. You can choose to do a Feature upgrade, a Generation upgrade or a Boat repower.
Feature upgrade

Unlock new features with your current EVC

A software upgrade will unlock the features available for your boat’s current EVC (your Volvo Penta dealer may need to also install specific hardware, depending on your choice). See the upgrade configurator below to explore available features.
Generation upgrade

Upgrade your boat to EVC-E4

Upgrading the EVC to the latest retrofit generation (EVC-E4) includes replacement of EVC hardware, software and cabling, as well as certain transmission upgrades. The upgrade kit is installed by authorized Volvo Penta dealers and comes with a 2-year factory warranty.
Boat repower

A new driveline with EVC 2.0

New Volvo Penta marine engines are delivered with EVC 2.0 – our newest generation, featuring a more advanced communication protocol to enable future feature extensions. Upgrading an older boat to EVC 2.0 can be done through a Boat repower, where the old driveline is replaced by a brand new Volvo Penta driveline.

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Case story: Upgrading a 2010 Fairline Targa 44

See how this Volvo Penta dealer modernized a 15-year-old Targa 44 using our EVC-E4 Upgrade kit and adding the Glass Cockpit, Assisted Docking and Joystick features. Now the boat maneuvers like a well-equipped new boat.
Features & Accessories

Elevate your boating experience

Improving your boat with our innovative marine accessories unlocks new levels of control, performance and enjoyment. No matter if you are trying to catch the perfect wave or want to ease boat docking and maneuvering, there is an accessory for that.
Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit display showing engine data and digital nautical chart.
Accessories
Glass cockpit
Volvo Penta joystick control system for marine vessel maneuvering.
Accessories
Assisted docking
Volvo Penta joystick control unit for precise marine maneuvering.
Accessories
Joystick Control
Volvo Penta joystick control unit for precise marine maneuvering.
Accessories
Joystick docking for single diesel engines
All accessories

What's needed in the boat to get Assisted Docking?

For a boat equipped with with Dynamic Positioning System and Joystick Docking, the Assisted Docking software adds enhanced functionality enabling more precise maneuvering. The included Side Push function is helpful when docking sideways, providing a slight force towards the dock.
Assisted docking

The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC

Our Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) system has revolutionized boating since its introduction in 2003. This timeline showcases how we've continuously evolved this technology to make boating more intuitive, precise and enjoyable.
2003

Launch of EVC-A

2005

EVC-B and the IPS introduction

2006

EVC-C: The joystick revolution

2010

EVC-D: New driver interface

2012-2018

EVC-E: Significant architecture upgrade

2019

EVC 2.0: The next generation

2021-2022

Launch of Assisted Docking

2023

Introducing the EVC Upgrade kit

The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2003

Launch of EVC-A

The first generation of Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) is launched, integrating onboard functions, instrumentation, engine control, and accessories into one CAN bus-based system. From now on, boats can be built like modern cars or trucks.
The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2005

EVC-B and the IPS introduction

The launch of EVC-B introduces new functionality, such as electronic steering. EVC now handles all onboard communication and monitoring, including shift, throttle and steering. This enables the introduction of Volvo Penta’s ground-breaking Inboard Performance System (IPS) driveline.
The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2006

EVC-C: The joystick revolution

The launch of EVC-C brings the next natural step in the evolution of Volvo Penta’s boat control offering: the joystick. Now owners of boats equipped with IPS or multiple Aquamatic drivelines can enjoy the simplicity and security offered by the new Joystick Steering and Joystick Docking features, enabling maneuvers in any direction – sideways, forward, backward or rotate – with just one hand.
The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2010

EVC-D: New driver interface

With the launch of EVC-D, the new ergonomically designed controls are introduced. They engage smoothly and allow for maneuvering with fingertip precision in any situation. Integrated pushbuttons give easy access to functions such as Power Trim Assistant, Tow Mode and Single Lever Control, all contributing to safer and easier boating.
The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2012-2018

EVC-E: Significant architecture upgrade

EVC-E launched in 2012 with E-Key (Electronic Key).

EVC-E2 launched in 2013, with Glass Cockpit and Integrated Interceptor System.

EVC-E3 launched in 2016, with electronic steering for inboard, enabling joystick and Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) for inboard installations.

EVC-E4 launched in 2018 with updated processor power to enable more advanced features.
The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2019

EVC 2.0: The next generation

EVC 2.0 is designed with a modern system architecture and more processor power to increase the communication speed in the CAN bus system. This future-proof platform is ready for new technologies to be incorporated and new features to be developed, such as Joystick Driving.
The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2021-2022

Launch of Assisted Docking

Launched in 2021 for EVC 2.0 and in 2022 for EVC-E4, Assisted Docking simplifies docking and maneuvering in tight spaces by neutralizing the dynamics of wind and current. Available for IPS and DPI drives with EVC 2.0 and IPS drives with EVC-E4.
The evolution of Volvo Penta EVC
2023

Introducing the EVC Upgrade kit

For older boats equipped with EVC-A to EVC-E3, Volvo Penta now offers an upgrade to the latest version available for existing boats: EVC-E4. The upgrade kit – installed by Volvo Penta dealers – includes a complete overhaul of the boat’s electronic system, opening new possibilities to add modern functionality and have an up-to-date helm station without having to buy a new boat.
Powerboat driving across a dark blue sea photographed from above

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