Are you considering whether to buy an electric boat? Do you believe that the future of mobility is environmentally friendly navigation? If you have answered “yes” to these questions, then you are on the right blog!
Here are 4 questions and 4 answers that will help gain some clarity about the world of renewable energy and on the benefits of travelling with an electric boat.
1. Will I save money by choosing an electric boat?
Certainly. There are many factors to consider, starting with the lower refuelling costs which are significantly lower compared with the more expensive petrol. Refuelling a medium-sized boat, equipped with a 4kw motor, costs less than a coffee.
Moreover, the maintenance costs of an electric boat are practically non-existent, thanks to the simplicity of the electric motor, which requires very little care. All you need is to check that the propeller is clean, disconnect the power supply in case of extended inactivity period and protect the engine by the erosive effect of the saltwater.
There could be also additional savings, just check the options available on board: some of our solar-electric boat models are equipped with integrated photovoltaic systems, which allow you to increase battery life and reduce recharging time. Have a look at the GardaSolar electric boat catalogue.
2. What is the price of an electric boat?
As with cars, electric boats vary a lot from model to model and from manufacturer to manufacturer. They range from a few thousand euros to higher figures. The type of boat and their intended use should also be considered: there are boats that are perfect for family outings and others suitable for medium to long term business investments. Of course, the cost of an electric boat is higher, but the very low maintenance and fuel costs must be taken into account.
On our website, www.gardasolar.com, you will find a wide range of 100% Made in Italy electric boats, from the basic Gogo Smart to the now iconic Gogo 6, up to the 20-seater electric e-Bus, the latest addition of 2020.
A separate note must be given to Retrofit, which allows you to convert your old petrol boat into an electric boat. In this case, an integrated full-electric system is preferred, allowing you to quickly assemble parts without further wasting time in the configuration.
A solution that GardaSolar is developing internally to offer a pod kit for Plug & Play electric boats, easy to assemble thanks to the external electronics and the outboard motor, really convenient compared to buying a new boat. We will soon reveal its price and features.
3. Is it easy to recharge an electric boat?
Compared to electric cars, the charging infrastructure for electric boats already exists and is widely used. The harbours and private moorings are always equipped with electrical sockets for charging.
If you want a quick recharge, however, the solution is a specific column for electric boats, which are much more difficult to find. Fortunately, the trend will be reversed in recent years, given the increase in interest in electric boats.
4. What is the autonomy of electric boats?
Also in this case, it depends on the model of electric boat, but usually on average it is 8-10 hours. GardaSolar electric boats guarantee an autonomy of 8 hours with a full tank, but the duration increases considerably with the optional photovoltaic roof.
