Electric Propulsion: A Natural Evolution of Motor Boating
Even though it might sound strange, electric propulsion in boats isn't an invention of modern times. On the contrary, similar to what happened to cars, it originated in the 19th century. In 1839, the German inventor Moritz von Jacobi designed and launched on the Neva River the first electric-powered boat in St. Petersburg, Russia — a 24-foot (7.3 m) vessel with a capacity for up to 14 passengers at a cruising speed of 3 miles (4.8 km) per hour.
Throughout the following decades, boats suffered different changes in their propulsion systems that evolved from steam to naphtha, electric, and gasoline or diesel-powered engines. In 1893, at the Chicago World's Fair, electric motors were considered safer and more manoeuvrable than other engines.
However, despite the early interest in electric water vehicles, the electrification of boats was soon forgotten. Due to the lack of technology and innovation, electric systems couldn't produce and store energy for proper operation nor deliver good performance on the water.
4 Ways Electric Propulsion Helps the Environment
With the "European Green Deal", the European Union is committed to carbon-free propulsion to help boaters transit into green boating. As of 2035, restrictive laws that ban the sales of new carbon-emitting vehicles will be in force. Electric propulsion, especially solar-powered through the form of solar PV modules, is set to revolutionise the pleasure boating economy. It is environmentally-friendly in 4 different ways:
1. No Noise Pollution
Acoustic pollution is a worrying problem. Many ports and cities are enforcing laws to prevent noise pollution from significantly impacting public health. Among its many benefits, silent engines allow boat operators to carry out their favourite activities, cruising all day without generating above-the-water noise.
2. Emissions-Free
As electric vessels drastically reduce emissions generated by on-water activities, boaters can reduce their carbon footprint effortlessly when they operate their boats or leave them in a marina or port.
