World’s 1st network of e-boat superchargers launches in Monaco
The Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), widely recognized as the world leader in promoting clean marine propulsion, is now home to the world’s first network of speedy electric boat chargers – superchargers – that reduce the charging time for e-boats.
The initial stations were installed at the Club on Friday, May 10 and will be rolled out along the French Riviera in advance of a global rollout. The chargers will be put to good use immediately as the Club has its own fleet of electric boats which are used throughout the year by its Sports Section and for YCM regattas.
The chargers have been developed by Vita superPower™ who also make the VITA luxury electric powerboat in the video below.
UPDATE: VITA superPower is now known as Aqua superPower
Each station supports AC and DC charging. With a maximum power output of 150 kWh, they allow DC compatible powerboats to half recharge in under an hour. By making charging faster and more convenient, the goal is to stimulate the widespread adoption of electric boats along one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.
Yacht Club de Monaco a leader in clean propulsion
The charging system is an innovation that is directly in line with the broader policies of the YCM. In March the Club was awarded the Environmental Award from the worldwide powerboating authority UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique) in recognition of its annual Monaco Solar and Energy Boat Challenge.
The YCM is presided over by HSH Prince Albert II, whose Prince Albert 2 of Monaco Foundation is a key sponsor of the Challenge as part of its “dedication to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development on a global scale.”
For this year’s sixth edition of the four days of solar, electric and new energy boat races – being held July 2 to July 6 – the Yacht Club de Monaco and its partners have thrown down the gauntlet to competitors and the Monegasque community to produce as near to zero emissions as possible throughout the week, by banning all fossil fuels ashore and at sea.
Vita entered in this year’s Monoco new energy races
Last year Vita created a great deal of excitement when it showcased the design and technology behind its prototype 9 metre electric yacht at the event’s Tech Talks. It will appear this year competing in the Offshore Class.
Speaking at the launch of the superchargers, Stewart Wilkinson, Founder and Chairman of Vita Yachts, said: “This is an important milestone for those of us who believe in a sustainable approach to luxury boat design. As more and more boats incorporate DC technology, the argument for electric boating will become much harder to dismiss.”
YCM General Secretary, Bernard d’Alessandri, said the Yacht Club is “Convinced that one must lead by example, and as an integral part of our Monaco: Capital of Yachting project, we want to prick people’s consciences, and support this kind of project to contribute to the environmental issue.”
It has been quite the week for new energy in Monaco. In addition to the superchargers, it also played host to the EVER Monaco electric vehicle conference (which added e-boat companies to its range of exhibitors this year) and the always exciting Formula E Monaco E-Prix electric car race on the famous street circuit of the Principality.
