Are Electric Boats Becoming a Reality?

Electric boats were first introduced into the world almost 185 years ago but have never really got going in terms of commercial use and mass production in manufacturing. Today, there is a whole host of private companies racing to manufacture and commercialise electric boats for a sustainable future of sea transport.

Los Angeles start-up, which was started by former SpaceX engineers, Arc, has also received $30 million in investments in November 2021. Their only electric boat, the Arc One costs $300 000 (R4 710 281,57). Its 220kWh battery lasts about 3-5 hours and delivers a top speed of 64.4km/h. It also packs 500hp. For comparison, fuel speed boats usually have anywhere between 160-480hp. This 12-seater boat is currently available for pre-order with an expected delivery date at the end of 2022.

Swedish company, X Shore, also has high-end electric boats for sale. Their only model, the Eelex 8000 manages 100nm (185.2km) of range, a top speed of 30 knots (55,56km/h) and a cruising speed of 20 knots (37,04km/h). It reaches full charge in less than two and a half hours and retails for about $329 000 (R5 280 153,90). They started delivery in early 2021.

Another Swedish company, Candela, has developed a hydro-foil electric boat which uses a small 45kWh battery pack from a BMW i3. The boat is suspended by a small surface that is connected to the boat, meaning it does not waste energy pushing through the water. This battery and design makes it as efficient and light as possible, using about 20% less energy to achieve the same speed and distance as a similar boat. The boats can achieve 92.6km of range. The company has already commenced delivery of their C-7 boat and intend on shipping out their new C-8 boat in autumn of 2024. The C-8 costs €290 000 (R4 874 346,36). Candela eventually wants to focus on producing water taxis.

General Motors recently acquired a 25% stake in Seattle start-up, Pure Watercraft, for $150 million. Pure Watercraft develops parts for boats such as electric motors. They are now partnering with GM to produce electric battery packs for boats. This partnership will combine GM’s scale with Pure Watercraft’s direct to consumer model to expand and fast track the adoption of electric boats.

The electrification of boats is also being seen in maritime transportation. In 2021, Yara International began operating the Yara Birkeland, the world’s first fully emission free cargo ship. Its aim is to reduce diesel shipping truck trips by 40 000 trips a year. The ship has a cruising speed of 6-7 knots (11-13km/h) and a top speed of 15 knots (27.8km/h). It contains a 6.8MWh battery pack and has a cargo capacity of 120 20-foot containers.

The world’s first fully electric ferry entered operation in early 2021. The Bastø Electric has a 4.3MWh battery system capable of maintaining a sailing speed of 12.7 knots and a range of about 200-240km. The Turkish built (by Sefine Shipyard) ferry which operates in Norway is about 145m long and can carry 600 passengers and 200 cars.

In China, the Yangtze River Three Gorges 1 has been dubbed ‘the world’s largest electric cruise ship’. Its 7.5MWh battery capacity can save 530 tonnes of fuel and reduce emissions by 1 660 tonnes per year. The 100m long ship seats 1 300 passengers and manages a range of 100km.

Weighing up the reasons for buying electric boats:

Summary:

With the global recreational boating market valued at $29 billion in 2019 and expected to reach $35,4 billion by 2027, it almost seems inevitable that electric boats will become more common.

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