This was over a month ago, but I still think it’s fitting as an electric vehicle. Reminder that it’s possible to power cargo ships using batteries and electric motors.
This was over a month ago, but I still think it’s fitting as an electric vehicle. Reminder that it’s possible to power cargo ships using batteries and electric motors.
Sails boats definitely. Day cruisers /small motor boats also. I think the big motor yachts less so at the moment. They demand range in thousands of nautical miles which is tough.
I mean like 20-30 ft ocean worthy sail boats. Something you’d live on for a year between jobs
20-30ft sailboats are hardly what you think of as ocean going or “blue water” boats. Most people cross ocean on larger boats over 30ft.
sailboats are increasingly easy to electrify. Tho I have no data on how many people do it. There are huge benefits in going electric and the tech is becoming quite mature
That said most boats you will see out there owned by real humans (not charter companies) are 30+ years old with 30+ years old motor in them. Sailors rarely replace the motor unless they absolutely have to.
Intuitively, would that be a result of their primary source of propulsion being independent of fuel source? You’d need electricity for amenities and instruments, and probably a backup motor in case the wind doesn’t play along, but I genuinely have no knowledge of how much you’d need for that.
Sailboats usually motor only occasionally. Not continuously for weeks to cross an ocean. So it’s easier to not worry about range and plan around it.
Further EV sailors love that they are generating fuel out there in the ocean from regen on the prop and from solar. Remember no one will refill your diesel tanks in the middle of the ocean.
Honestly same goes for propane for cooking.
Going electric on boats removes multiple complicated and flammable systems with one.
A big battery bank, solar, electric drive and electric galley (and water maker) and you’re set. You can go off grid for as long as your food lasts.
I didn’t think of that. That makes it even better.
I’m sold. I don’t expect I’ll ever get a sailboat myself (fear of open water in multiple flavours that I’m not sure I’ll ever overcome), but if I do, Electric it will be.
That’ll be the bigger issue, considering how that food will get to the places you’d stock up. But electric trucks seem to also be a growing thing, so maybe there’s hope.