Electric transport: ships

Where are we?

Stable Diffusion idea of a solar ship

Electric shipping prime need

Electric transport faces significant challenges with shipping. The problem is not in the motors but in energy storage.

Different ships, different needs

However, shipping includes several different vessels with various tonnages and distinct functions.

Outboard motors

There are already outboard battery-powered electric motors for small boats. Mercury, the traditional outboard motors company, sells one. See video 1.

The performance is lower, but it has better torque and is more efficient per kWh comparatively. The battery runs for around 45 m but is swappable and weighs 7 Kg (16 pounds), allowing bringing along spares to increase range.

A boat company even launched a boat designed to operate with Mercury’s electric motor.

Sailboats and electric propulsion