Electric passenger boats
Solar Ferries•Electric Ferries•Electric Water Limos
The Königssee, a natural lake in the extreme southeast Berchtesgadener Land district of the German state of Bavaria, near the Austrian border, is noted for its clear water and is advertised as the cleanest lake in Germany.
For this reason, only electric-powered passenger boats, rowing, and pedal boats have been permitted on the lake since 1909 – over a century ago. Today’s 18-strong fleet is maintained and run by the Bayerische Seenschifffahrt company. Recently two of these boats were re-batteried with Hoppecke units.
1995
In Switzerland, in 1995, at Yverdon-les-Bains beside Lake Leman,, two 8m50 12 PAX solar-powed passenger boats, Solifleur and Chlorophylle, built by MW-Line were in regular service. When not cruising, their surplus electrical energy was supplied to the town’s grid.
1997
In 1997 MW-Line’s Aquarel went into service on the same lake with three boats added to the fleet by 1999.
The 20m 65ft Becassine, also running on Lake Geneva had a range of 90 m 65 mi at 10 knots. In 2019, the fleet received its 5th vessel in the 25 PAX Aquabus Greta, taking visitors to the foot of the city’s famous Jet d’Eau fountain using 100% solar power and electric motors.
More recently electric boats have arrived on the Italian Alpine Lakes. Lake Como has been named “The Electric Lake” Along points of interest, 17 charging stations are being fitted around 170 kilometres of the Lake Como.
Taking advantage of these e-vehicle chargers, the Ernesto Riva shipyard of Laglio has produced the 12 PAX 100 kW Vaporina Elettra passenger yacht, The ecovolta lithium-ion batteries used in the Elettra provide a total capacity of 180kWh and enable five hours of autonomous operation at a speed of 13 knots.
Thanks to their high energy density of 480Wh per litre, the batteries offer a high capacity without taking up too much space.
Further along the lake, Nautico Matteri Shipyard and the Econoleggio Como Lake are planning a fleet of zero-emission boats. On neighbouring Lake Maggiore in Cittiglio, Vita Yachts have not only developed a 40 knot electric runabout but also a fast-recharging system.
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EU, The Alps • 1995 – 2020 • Electric passenger boats
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Use Cases
Amsterdam • 2013 – 2025 • Electrification of all canal traffic
Private Boats • Commercial Boats • Ferries
Denmark, Copenhagen • 2018 – 2020 • Five electric ferries
Commuter Ferries • Rapid Charging
Denmark / EU • 1995 – 2020 • World’s largest electric ferry
Battery Ferries • Charging Systems
France • 2009 – 2021 • Battery, hybrid and solar vessels
Commuter Ferries • Battery Ferries • Solar Ferries
India • 2018 – 2021 • Public Private Partnership
Commuter Ferries • Solar Ferries • Solar Workboats
Italy, Venice • 2019 – 2028 • Electrification of the canal city
Water Taxis • Work Boats • Charging Network
Norway • 2014 – 2026 • National ferry regulations
Ferries
Norway • 2019 – 2021 • Electric inboard & outboard motors
Workboats • Aquaculture • e-boat Rentals
Sweden • 2014 – 2030 • The evolution of alt fuel ferries
Hybrid Ferries • BioDiesel • Battery • Charging Station
UK • 1980s – 2020 • Boats for residents and visitors
Canalboats • Narrowboats • Tourist Ferries
UK, Orkney Islands • 2020 • Consortium of partners
Hydrogen • Renewable Power
USA, California • 1970 – 2021 • World’s best selling electric boat
Recreational Boats
USA, California • 2019 – 2021 • Battery and hydrogen ferries
Commuter Ferries • Hydrogen