2024 marks a pivotal year for EVs, with growth, regulation and debates on incentives as governments navigate the path to a sustainable transition.
What happened in March 2024
The push for sustainable transportation is not confined to roads or rails. In the Southern Hemisphere, e-boats are making waves, offering cleaner, greener alternatives for commuters and leisure travellers. With innovations like electric ferries and motor yachts, the maritime sector is stepping up to reduce emissions and redefine the waterborne experience.
New Zealand’s electric hydrofoil ferry: The Candela P-12
In New Zealand, utility giant Meridian Energy has partnered with Swedish company Candela to introduce the Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry. The innovative vessel will replace the diesel ferry used to transport staff to the Lake Manapouri hydroelectric power station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lake Manapouri, located in the Fiordland region of New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for its pristine environment. However, the diesel ferry’s operations have contributed to carbon emissions, compromising the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
By transitioning to the electric Candela P-12, Meridian aims to cut 240 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, ensuring a cleaner commute for staff and preserving the lake’s natural beauty.
Tania Palmer, GM of Generation at Meridian, stated: “This deal is the result of a global search to identify the latest and best technology for our needs and one suitable for such an incredible natural environment.”
Tania highlighted the transformative impact of this partnership: “The Candela P-12 is an exciting replacement for the diesel ferry we currently use. It’ll drastically reduce emissions and, at the same time, give our team what’s arguably the best and most spectacular commute in the world.”
Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of Candela, echoed this enthusiasm: “We’re excited to partner with a global leader in the transition to sustainable energy and thrilled to soon see our P-12 in action on Lake Manapouri.”
Australia’s first high-performance electric motor yacht: The Genevo E8
Australia is setting sail toward sustainability with the launch of the Genevo E8, the country’s first high-performance electric motor yacht. Developed by Genevo Marine in collaboration with Deakin University, this luxury 8.2-meter yacht combines cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly design.
What sets the Genevo E8 apart is its construction using recycled aerospace carbon fibre, which reduces the boat’s carbon footprint to one-tenth that of traditional materials. Co-founder Damon Rahmate highlighted this innovation: “The E8 will not only rival the growing number of electric peers regarding blistering performance, but it will be the first boat to be manufactured with recycled aerospace carbon fibre.”
Equipped with a powerful 400kW race-bred electric motor, the E8 promises a thrilling yet quiet experience, free from the noise and exhaust fumes associated with internal combustion engines (ICE).
Andrew Davey, Co-Founder of Genevo Marine,stated: “The E8 will offer the unparalleled experience that only electric boats can provide,” said
E-boats like the Candela P-12 and Genevo E8 represent the future of maritime transportation. By addressing the environmental impact of traditional vessels, these innovations offer a cleaner, quieter and more efficient way to navigate waterways.
From Meridian’s commitment to sustainable commuting in New Zealand to Genevo Marine’s groundbreaking yacht in Australia, the shift toward electric watercraft demonstrates how businesses and innovators embrace green solutions.
As e-boats continue gaining traction, they’re proving that sustainability can go hand in hand with performance and luxury, transforming how we experience the water.
