Champions of clean emission boating will be thrilled to know that rapid progress is being made in the field and much larger boats can now be powered by electric motors than ever before. Australian electric outboard motor specialist All4Solar has announced a 30 hp version of its Aquawatt electric motor which will become the most powerful electric outboard motor in the world. Due for launch at next month's Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on Australia's Gold Coast, the 30 hp (22 kw) Aquawatt is claimed to be three times more powerful than any other manufacturer's electric outboard.
Two versions of the Aquawatt motor are available – 20 hp (13 kw) and the 30 hp (22 kw), both driven by AC motors and powered by 48 V or 80 V LIFEPO4 batteries. As All4Solar's name suggests, it can also sell all the gear to enable the batteries to be charged by photovoltaic solar panels, with a charger from the grid or by generator. Anyone who operates a petrol outboard in a marine environment will no doubt be eager to finally have a viable alternative to existing petrol engines for larger boats. Electric outboards are more cost efficient to run, much quieter, are maintenance free and generate no hazardous emission at all.
The new 30hp engine can achieve speeds of more than 50 km/h (31 mph) with a four meter boat.
Champions of clean emission boating will be thrilled to know that rapid progress is being made in the field and much larger boats can now be powered by electric motors than ever before. Australian electric outboard motor specialist All4Solar has announced a 30 hp version of its Aquawatt electric motor which will become the most powerful electric outboard motor in the world. Due for launch at next month's Sanctuary Cove Boat Show on Australia's Gold Coast, the 30 hp (22 kw) Aquawatt is claimed to be three times more powerful than any other manufacturer's electric outboard.
Two versions of the Aquawatt motor are available – 20 hp (13 kw) and the 30 hp (22 kw), both driven by AC motors and powered by 48 V or 80 V LIFEPO4 batteries. As All4Solar's name suggests, it can also sell all the gear to enable the batteries to be charged by photovoltaic solar panels, with a charger from the grid or by generator. Anyone who operates a petrol outboard in a marine environment will no doubt be eager to finally have a viable alternative to existing petrol engines for larger boats. Electric outboards are more cost efficient to run, much quieter, are maintenance free and generate no hazardous emission at all.
The new 30hp engine can achieve speeds of more than 50 km/h (31 mph) with a four meter boat.
That electric engine is a very good step towards the use of renewable energies, but please, don\'t say it generates \"no hazardous emission at all\". We live in a world of compromises and electric engines are a way to reduce the emissions. Not eliminate them.
Electric motors \"generate no hazardous emission at all\" is accurate.
The article is NOT referring to the electricity used to charge the batteries.
If the article was referring to the electricity source, the emissions would depend on where you are on the grid. For example, in British Columbia - Canada, the grid is supplied by HYDROPOWER which \"generates no hazardous emission at all\".
We also have plenty of beautiful and natural lakes & rivers to run our \"electric\" boats, while \"generating no hazardous emission at all\".
How the power is generated and how the batteries, motor, housings, cables, boat itself, etc were made and the materials sourced, as well as where and how they will be disposed of at their end of life, is something completely different.
(It is perhaps something All4solar could look at - if they are not already - and further improve on these motor\'s \'green\' credentials)
In the marine environment where these motors are intended for use they have non-hazardous emissions, and as Frank191 says, its a good start.
Its good to see that people are aware of, and raising the issues with the bigger picture as well.
Seriously Gizmag, can we take a break with the electric modes of transportation.
No matter what the technology used, in the end, it will be the commercial application that determines the acceptance in the marketplace. And the marketplace will determine its ultimate utilization.
Now I\'m wondering how big and fast a boat we could build with multiple engines, say 3 across the stern. Add in a turbine engine generator burning bio-based renewable fuels, for longer trips to minimize the battery demand...now we\'re starting to have a conversation.
Lets get real, any device that produces no pollution has got to be good for us & the environment. Cheers John McManus
Still, nice idea to fit an electric motor in an outboard shape. Makes it easier to switch it between different boats or to go at places where the water is not deep. Very good to access fragile ecosystems too.
This tender or larger may be fitted with 2-3 m2 of high yield PV solar panels ( roller flex PV also) on a high tube frame (shade from the sun) plus an Aerogen or 2 and an in-water gen drag line, eventually a hydrogen mini fuel cell ( we are sitting in H2O after all) with a gas separation catalyst powered by the power gen units ,the H2 stored in carbon fiber tanks and Nano balls, unlimited range (until the beer runs out) All existing tech, just needs to be applied.... OYOYOY Go OZ...show the world what we do best..Invent and out of the box innovation....ref http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/world-changing-aussie-inventions.htm !