Guide to Electric Boats Exhibitors: Green Tech Boat Show 2023
The Green Tech Boat Show 2023 – the third annual edition and biggest yet – is taking place at the MDL Marinas’ Ocean Village complex in Southampton, UK from Friday April 21 to Sunday April 23.
Green Tech takes centre stage at the South Coast Boat Show (the two shows have been combined this year) and is specifically designed for boat owners wanting to make the switch to greener options, and prospective owners who’d like to start their boating journey in the most environmentally friendly way possible.
The Future of Boating Panel Discussion
One of the highlights of the show will be the Innovation Hub introduced last year, which includes the Future of Boating Panel Discussion with experts from various segments of the electric boat world as well as those working in the broader ‘green marine’ realm. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A Session. The panellists are:
- Sarah Fear from the University of Plymouth, a leading light on clean maritime and decarbonisation.
- Jon Partridge, CEO at RS Electric Boats.
- Tim Mayer, Director at MDL Marinas and founder of The Green Tech Boat Show.
- Rory Trahair, Co CEO at Vita, a marine technology company that develops all-electric powertrains and a range of high-performance electric boats.
- Wayne Peters, the founder of Sail Electric and North Devon Marine Project with over 15 years of clean energy development around the globe, both on land and at sea.
- Kate Fortnam, campaign manager at RYA’s Green Blue where she identifies key environmental issues and helps shape environmental best practice.
- Jamie Marley, an impartial electric and hybrid marine propulsion consultant and marine green tech futurist.
Other speakers making individual presentations in the Innovation Hub include:
Nigel Irens, designer of Gussies Finalist ‘Clara Belle’
Nigel Irens is an internationally renowned yacht designer responsible for some of the worlds’ most acclaimed high-performance racing yachts.
Since 2003 he has been working on his innovative ‘LDL’ hull (Low Displacement to Length ratio). On his Clara Boat website there are details and explainations of the advantages of the ‘slippery hull’ and why it is so well suited to electric propulsion. Gussies Finalist Clara Belle was designed by Irens in 2017, originally powered by an ICE outboard, then refitted with an ePropulsion Pod Drive 6.0 EVO with 2 x E175 batteries. Irens is launching his new 8 metre CLARA at the Show, the latest example of his LDL design.
Charlie Hall: Pixii Electric Boats
At this time last year Plugboats wrote about the successful crowdfunding campaign of Pixii and the company’s SP800 aluminum boat, built with recycled materials that are also completely recyclable at the end of its boating life. Pixii is based in Mudeford, close to Southamption, and the SP800 is powered by electric drives with jets to best navigate the shallow waters of the area while minimizing impact on the environment. Co -Founder and Managing Director Charles Hall will be speaking about the company’s commitment to building eco-friendly watercraft that are as sustainable as possible.
David Kendall, Optima Projects
After three years of development, Optima Projects will be launching a prototype of its electric cruising boat at the Green Tech Boat Show. The sleek 10 metre boat has a double cabin, separate heads, extensive galley and social areas, with seating for up to 10 people around a large cockpit table.
Optima Co-Founder David Kendall will talk about the design voyage for the company’s first model and also present details of future projects, including larger leisure boats and a fleet of electric water taxis.
Harry Besley, Round Britain eRIB Challenge
Harry Besley is the 17-year-old skipper and climate crusader who is piloting an electric RIB on a record-breaking trip around the coast of Britain. The goal is to bring attention to electric boats and boating and help achieve the project mission: “Developing the knowledge and understanding of the requirements for eBoat charging and to demonstrate the capability of an electric propulsion system.”
MDL Marinas has kindly donated booth space to Harry’s Round Britain eRIB Challenge and Harry will be talking about his organizing journey so far and his on-water journey to come.
Jon Partridge, CEO of RS Electric Boats
Jon Partridge, Joint CEO of RS Electric Boats, has been involved in the research and development of electric boats since 2020 when RS Sailing set out to build a coach boat that could operate at sailing regattas without the noise and fumes of a combustion engine. The resulting Pulse 63 can also be customized for use as a workboat, leisure boat or superyacht tender. From his experience Partridge has a keen understanding of what is achievable for each boat type. He will also give insights on his work with the SailGP racing tour on its transition from combustion engines to cleaner alternatives.
Green Innovator Awards
Last year Steve Bruce (left) and his team at ePropulsion UK received the second annual Green Innovator Award, which aims to distinguish products and services that are pioneering in sustainability, innovation and design.
ePropulsion is the sponsor of this year’s Award, which is voted on by the public. All of the companies exhibiting at the Show are eligible and the Green Innovation Award 2023 will be announced on Saturday 22 April at 12.35pm in the Innovation Hub.
Some noteworthy electric boat exhibitors
Here is a selection of products on display at the Green Tech Boat Show 2023, a full Directory of electric boat and boating exhibitors is at the end of this article.
Vita Seal
The Seal, from Vita Yachts, is an all-electric commercial RIB that combines high performance with the practicality of fast DC charging. At the reduced speeds typical of port activity, the SEAL offers up to 10 hours of continuous use capability, while DC supercharging allows for rapid top ups between shifts with a 20 – 70% charge taking as little as 30 minutes. Instant high torque means complex manoeuvres can be accomplished with ease,, and Vita’s proprietary responsive controls provide maximal towing and pushing force even at low RPM.
Arcona 435 MkII
Arcona was the first company to offer electric propulsion as standard mechanical propulsion on a sailing yacht (the Arcona 415) and will have the electric 435 MkII on display at the Green Tech Bat Show in its UK premiere. The 435 MkII is equipped with an Oceanvolt ServoProp 15 electric propulsion system, the equivalent of a 30hp diesel engine on a similar-sized yacht.
Alasdair Marshall, Director of UK Arcona agent SE Yachts, told Marine Industry News “A higher performance monohull, like those in the Arcona performance cruiser fleet, is a huge advantage when sailing with electric propulsion as it sails well, even in light winds, and will start charging your battery through hydrogeneration sooner.”
Beneteau Oceanis 30.1
The Oceanis 30.1e is one of two electric sailboats introduced by Beneteau last December, the other being the First 44. Green Tech visitors will have a chance to see the 30.1e up close, with its Torqeedo 6kW Cruise pod (≈14HP) system using 48 volt batteries and an energy storage capacity of 5 kiloWatt hours. This provides a range of up to 6 hours at 4 knots, and there is no diesel genset. The batteries can be recharged with shore power, hydrogeneration, or augmented by solar panels.
Fischer Panda new electric 5kW shaft drive
Last November, at METSTRADE, Fisher Panda introduced the first of its ePanda Series 8.0, consisting of ePanda Drive, ePanda Power Unit and ePanda Control Unit. The permanent magnet, brushless 5 kW is has air-cooled and that forms a fixed unit with the inverter. The company says these are the features that make it a low-maintenance, extremely efficient drive weighing in at only 22 kg.
“Smart solutions are needed to further advance electrification on the water” says Sven Soetebier, Managing Director at Fischer Panda. “With the introduction of the ePanda Series, we are taking the next step towards a “one-stop shop” for individual drive solutions and mobile, self-sufficient energy supply. We offer ready-to-install solutions to make this step as simple as possible.”
Green Show Award winner Remigo
The Green Tech Boat Show will also be an opportunity for UK sailors to get a look at the Remigo One, a 1kW outboard with a variety of innovative design features like a tiller that doubles as a carrying handle. The Remigo One received a Special Mention at the 2021 DAME Design Awards, was chosen as a Made in Slovenia Selection of Design and Excellence and added to its trophy case in the past few weeks with a win at the International Gren Product Awards for “products & concepts that stand out in terms of design, innovation & sustainability.”
The jury said “This innovation shows how sustainable design can combine user needs, product design & performance and of course material benefits in a mature product solution.
You can click below to get your free tickets to the Green Tech Boat Show.
Directory of Electric Boat Exhibitors at Green Tech Boat Show 2023
Click any tile for company information and links.
The World’s Safest Electric Hydrofoil.
Aircraft Inspired.
Advanced aerodynamics. Developed with more than 20 years experience in aircraft design.
The Arcona 415 is one of the first series produced sailing yachts with electric propulsion as standard.
Electric propulsion is already available across all the Arcona fleet as an upgrade option and Arcona Yachts is proud to have the largest fleet of electric ‘zero emissions’ yachts on the water, the first being the Arcona 380Z launched in 2015.
Axopar has joined forces with Evoy motors to produce Evoy electric version of their Axopar 25. Jan-Erik Viitala, Founding Partner of Axopar, says “Our partnership with Evoy is a perfect example of two great companies, on a joint mission, to expand the boating community and offer new ways of mobility for the future.”
Beneteau has been a pioneer for recreational boating from the outset. With its world-leading ranges and iconic products, nearly 45 models offer diverse, high-performance capabilities.
With one single idea in mind: innovating in terms of both boats and processes to enable as many people as possible to realize their dreams, making the avant-garde accessible.
At Cannes Yachting Festival of 2021 Beneteau announced its first entries into electric boating, with Jérôme de Metz, Groupe Beneteau Chairman and CEO, saying “There are new expectations and user habits, new ways of travelling and latest technologies: a new world of pleasure boating and marine leisure is coming into view on the horizon, and all of us throughout Groupe Beneteau are positioning ourselves to be the leading players in this new world.”
Over the past 45 years I have had the pleasure of designing an unusually wide variety of boats of all sizes – both sail and power-driven (see https://nigelirens.com/), but right now we are concentrating on spreading the word about a particular kind of power-driven boat – the development of which has been an on-going passion of ours since 2003.
These designs are characterised by the fact that their hulls are unusually Long for their Displacement. From the outset we therefore adopted the term ‘LDL’ (‘Low Displacement/Length ratio) to identify this kind of vessel.
In the case of the ‘LDL’ hull our clear objective has always been to optimise a range of speeds that lie anywhere between slow speed (the easy bit…) up to ‘swift’ speeds up to about 12-14 knots – beyond which planing-hulled designs will be more appropriate – especially if these speeds are needed for much of the time afloat.
Totnes, UK
By constantly challenging accepted standards, we enhance time on the water, thereby enabling a more enriching experience.
Elan embodies a true passion for sailing, technological innovations and distinctive design. Every yacht coming from Elan’s 16.000 sq meter boatyard in Slovenia is the result of our 70-year long passion for innovation-oriented quality boatbuilding.
Electric boat motor for sailboats
ePropulsion electric outboards enable one-design sailboats to leave and return to the marina quick, silent and maneuverable. The hydrogenation and solar charging also allow sailors to travel further and sail sustainably.
Electric outboards for fishing boatsIdeal for both freshwater and saltwater, ePropulsion electric outboard motors are perfect for jon boats, aluminum fishing boats, bass boats and fishing pontoons.
Electric outboards for work boats
The electric outboard motor has a simple motor structure with much fewer components than gas engines. The quiet and exhaust-free experience also makes passengers comfortable onboard.
Electric outboards for dinghy and tenders
Our electric outboard motors make your boat trips comfortable, quiet and exhaust-free. Our maintenance-free designs save you time, money, and headaches.
China
Excess introduces at the Cannes Yachting Festival the first hybrid Excess 15 equipped with Torqeedo’s flagship Deep Blue Hybrid system. With such an innovative project managed through the “Excess Lab”, Excess is taking a distinctive first step within the catamaran market towards more sustainability.
Fischer Panda has manufactured electric and hybrid drive systems for houseboats, motor boats and yachts for more than 15 years now.
Electric drives from Fischer Panda are perfect for cruising on waters where conventional combustion engines are not permitted, both for monohull and multihull boats with one or two drives.
What we offer:
- Complete system from a single source
- Silent and vibration-free cruising
- Up to 100 % emission-free
- Sufficient power on board at all times
- Efficient Motor
- Unique manoeuvrability
- Professional 24 h customer support
- Extremely low cruising costs
Germany
Fountaine Pajot is working on the deployment of electric motors for its sailing catamarans. This project should see the light of day in 2022 with the installation of electric motors on the Aura 51, the new 51-foot catamaran designed by Fountaine Pajot.
Sailing for Life in Better Sailboats
Sailing is the ultimate freedom, the experience of being at one with nature and the sea, powered only by the wind and one’s imagination. Sailing is one of the few “life sports” that offers both a relaxing escape as well as an invigorating challenge. You pick your own level of comfort and adventure.
Established in 1990, we are innovators and leaders in the design and manufacturing of highly efficient and reliable electric motors suitable for marine, vehicle, robotic, industrial, hybrid and traction industry.
Mastervolt offers integrated electrical systems which generate, store, convert or manage alternating and direct current. We realise this by using high-quality technology in digital switching, energy storage by means of Lithium Ion batteries, and chargers/inverters that are both efficient and user-friendly. All these products communicate in the same language via the MasterBus platform. This ensures that everyone working with a Mastervolt system can always see the right information related to each product in the system. Onboard, at the yard or on remote, system analyses are always easy to perform. This ensures a carefree and reliable electrical power system which enables sailors to enjoy having electricity onboard without any concerns.
Netherlands
Electric Outboards
Nestaway Boats is the UK’s leading retailer for the biggest brands, Torqeedo and Epropulsion (for the last three years running). We have unmatched experience in helping you find the best motor for your requirements… and are competitive on price too.
You’ll find also the World’s leading collection of Folding, Inflatable & Sectional Dinghies, Canoes, Kayaks and Ultralight SUPs
Nestaway Boats is often referred to as “The Portable Boat Specialist”, with an unmatched level of knowledge and expertise in the selection and sale of practical and lightweight boats that are easy to use.
Optima is a Specialist Engineering and Design Consultancy, led by David Kendall, who has over 35 years international experience in advanced engineering design, analysis, FEA and FRP Composite materials.
We are currently developing a new range of electric boats.
Probably the last small outboard you will ever buy.
Superb product is sophisticated on the inside yet simple and intuitive.
We talked to yachtsmen. We observed boaters. We carefully listened to sailors. And their crews. A good outboard motor should support our endeavours and not interfere with them!
Introducing Remigo, world’s first fully integrated electric outboard.
Powerful as 3HP gasoline
Reliable range – up to 14NM at half speed – 3 knots
Maximum speed at around 5 knots
Slovenia
RS PULSE 63
WORLD’S FIRST RIB WITH A FULLY INTEGRATED ELECTRIC DRIVE
25 YEARS EXPERTISE
RS Electric Boats is the sister company of RS Sailing, which has been designing and building award-winning boats for over 25 years. Everyone involved is passionate about getting out on the water and this enthusiasm, combined with creative design skills and extensive boat building knowledge, creates the perfect blend of transferable skills to develop high quality RS Electric Boats.
SUSTAINABILITY: PROTECTING OUR OCEANS
It’s hard not to notice our planet’s declining health and, in particular, our oceans. The team here at RS care deeply about protecting the world’s waterways so that we and future generations can continue to enjoy them. We’re conscious that as a marine business, we have a duty to do everything that we can to prevent further damage to the natural playgrounds that we love so much, and this has been a huge driving force behind the development of RS Electric Boats.
OUR MISSION
“We want to inspire people to enjoy being on the water – for work or play – in a way that doesn’t cause harm to our planet.” Jon Partridge, CEO – RS Commercial
OUR VALUES
“Our experienced design team is dedicated to developing new and innovative electric boats that help people and businesses get out on the water in an enjoyable, productive and sustainable way.” Alex Newton-Southon, CEO – RS Design & Technologies
Location: Romsey, England
The Sunreef Yachts Eco are pioneering crafts leading the way in responsible boating by offering unique technology.
With a 360° approach to eco cruising, they offer cutting-edge electric propulsion, naturally-sourced sustainable materials, smart energy management and new technologies including a patent-pending solar skin produced in-house.
TEMO is a French brand of electric boat motors.
The company became known in 2019 thanks to a very innovative first model, the TEMO·450. Revolutionary in the nautical industry thanks to its light weight (5Kg), its unique tubular shape (integrated battery) and its telescopic ergonomics, it is inspired by urban mobility and propels all light leisure craft (tenders, boats, dinghies ).
Building on its commercial success, TEMO is now accelerating its development with the expansion of its range of motors (1000W, 3KW, 5KW) for all sailboats. Produced in France, in the Pays de la Loire and with a quality approach, TEMO engines actively participate in the decarbonization and revitalization of boating.
TEMO is an innovative brand, supported by an ambitious team, serving water and ready to take on many challenges! So that boating remains a pleasure: liberating and lasting! 🛶⛵️🌊”
Vannes, France
Electric drives for sailors
Torqeedo offers electric drives for sailboats from dinghies to yachts up to 120 feet: compact and powerful outboards, light and space-saving pod drives, one of the most powerful electric saildrives on the market, and the world’s first fully integrated hybrid propulsion and energy management system from industrial production.
Electric drives for motorboats
Enjoy a clean and quiet life on the water. Outboards from our Travel and Cruise series offer up to 20 horsepower of lightweight and emission-free fun. Need more power? Deep Blue, the first industrially produced, high-performance electric drive system for motorboats is available as outboard and inboard systems up to 100 kW.
Electric motors for kayaks
The ideal kayak fishing motor is quiet, lightweight, efficient and durable. Your Ultralight will take you to remote fishing grounds and allows easy, hands-free manoeuvring. On touring kayaks and canoes, the Ultralight serves as a compact range extender for extended tours and expeditions.
Electric boat drives for professionals
Reliability, efficiency and safety are critical when choosing propulsion for a commercial vessel – as are low and predictable fuel and maintenance costs. Torqeedo offers fully integrated, standards-compliant, high-tech drive systems at a competitive total cost of ownership.
Germany
ELECTRIC PROPULSION
Peace and quiet on the water with only the sound of the waves. With the new E-LINE from VETUS you can enjoy nature at its best. Think of the noise level of a sailing boat with the manoeuvrability of a motorboat.
The E-LINE from VETUS is compact, complete, highly efficient, plug & play and suitable for both new builds and re-powering. The E-LINE drive works with the V-CAN bus system and meets all current and future emission requirements.
Netherlands
We come from a better future.
Vita was founded to reduce the impact of boating on the marine environment through the development of an all-electric and integrated ecosystem of high-performance electric powertrains and fully electric yachts, supported by dedicated marine supercharging infrastructure.
Boats
Vita Seadog: 5.8m • 20 kt cruising speed, 30 kt top speed • 1 hour DC charge time
Vita SEAL: 7m • up to 30 kts • charging 10% – 90% in 40 min
<aserati Tidente: 10.5m • up to 35 kts • charging 10% – 90% in < 1 hour
Motors
Vita Power’s high performance systems integrate electric marine technology with proprietary control software to deliver peak power between 100hp and 660hp and DC fast charging capabilities.
Vita systems were the first to be compatible with high-speed DC charging on both CCS 1 (US) and CCS 2 (Europe) and are among the fastest charging on the market, supercharging from 10%-90% in under an hour.
A new range of electric powered sailboats is a natural step for X-Yachts in order to support a greener future. Based on our path of 42 years of innovative yachts and heritage, combined with Danish green and sustainable energy.
Every X-Yacht is designed with performance in mind – and the X4⁹E is no exception. The X4⁹E is the first X-Yacht built as a hybrid-powered yacht. It is fitted with 2 x 10 kW electric saildrives, a 28,8 kWh Lithium battery bank and an onboard DC generator with a capacity of 11 kW.
The hybrid concept is chosen to make long-distance crossings possible without worrying about distance limitations. A pure electric solution is also available if limited distance under engine can be accepted.
