Tag Archives: electric boat

We might not have flying cars yet, but this company is turning vintage automobiles into electric motorboats

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While every sci-fi movie and book has seduced humanity with the promise of flying cars, the guys at Floating Motors are building out a different kind of future – sailing cars.

The brainchild of Pierpaolo Lazzarini, Floating Motors takes vintage cars and turns them into electric motorboats that are a delightful combination of confusing and cool. Dubbed as “resto-floating”, the technique involves restoring a vintage car, but not with car parts. Instead, the car’s mounted either on a twin-hull, a catamaran, or a hydrofoil base, and is outfitted with electric motors for propulsion. Here’s an interesting philosophical question though… is it still a car? Considering it was a car, and still looks like a car, but clearly functions as a boat… what IS it?? Why not drop us a mail and tell us what you think.

Floating Motors’ current offerings are a star-studded lineup of restored classics, including the VW Microbus, Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, Porsche 550 Spyder, and Jaguar E-Type. Depending on the model, the carboats come outfitted with anywhere from a 40 horsepower to a 135 horsepower electric motor, with speeds going up to 55 knots. The restoration is carried out by Lazzarini’s design studio along with Jet Capsule S.r.L., an Italian watercraft builder. While clearly the idea behind owning a classic vintage car that drives on water sounds like a bit of a vanity/enthusiast thing, Floating Motors says you can use the crafts for various purposes, including as a taxi; which adds yet another layer of philosophical conundrums to the mix. If it’s a car that drives on water, is it a taxi?? Or a ferry?? This has the potential of being the internet’s latest “is the dress white and gold or is it black and blue” debate.

Designer: Floating Motors

This electric, self-driving, smart ferry is the Tesla of public transport boats!

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Traffic is only increasing every day in cities and if they are located in a coastal area then using waterways is one of the most efficient ways to cut down on road congestion. Along with managing the flow of vehicles on land, the climate crisis has accelerated the need for smart, climate-friendly mobility solutions worldwide. Zeabuz, a Norwegian company, has stepped up to the need of the hour and will be launching a self-driving ferry next year!

The ferry will carry 12 passengers and will operate like an elevator where all you have to do is press a button to summon it. Zeabuz’s zero-emission ferry was first developed by researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in 2018 and the 2021 launch shows Norway’s commitment to developing climate-conscious transport systems. This ferry will be autonomous, “Autonomy fits like a glove with electric vehicles. This enables better control, optimal operation, safety, and maintenance. Our autonomy solution is world-leading and can enable self-driving ferries that safely manoeuver among other boats, dock to the quay by themselves and handle passengers safely,” says Asgeir J. Sørensen, director of NTNU’s research center on autonomous maritime operations, NTNU AMOS. Apart from wirelessly charging at docks, it is safe to assume that solar panels will be the way to go with a backup battery for winter months when the sunshine is not enough in Norway. Many major cities can replicate this solution to fit their water channels and maybe even boost tourism while reducing the vehicle count on the roads during rush hours.

As we try to build a sustainable future, boats needed a technological upgrade to give the people a greener alternative to road transport. The Zeabuz ferry reduces operation costs which also makes it economical – and on that note, riding this ferry will be free in Trondheim which will encourage more people to adopt emission-free commutes. The electric ferry will operate along the canal that connects the port and the city center of Trondheim and will charge itself when docked. This cuts the travel time from 15 mins to 1 minute as passengers won’t need to walk between the two locations. Keeping the urban audience in mind, the ferry also has the capacity to transport passenger bicycles. Water transport was popular before the invention of cars, and while it largely only benefits coastal communities, they are also the most densely populated which puts them first in line for emission-free transport solutions. Electric self-driving boats like these can truly reduce the traffic in big cities and improve air quality as well as reduce noise pollution levels.

Designers: Zeabuz and NTNU

This electric tiny camper is a houseboat and trike designed to travel on land and water!

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Just to be fully prepared for all possibilities 2020 can bring, Zeltini has designed Z-Triton – an electric houseboat that does it all! The concept of having a vehicle that is a house, boat, and trike combined that travels over land and water is something straight out of a Spy Kids movie but Zeltini really came through with a real one!

The Z-Triton Electric Houseboat was created as a vehicle that could serve as an alternative to the traditional camper. It is comfortable enough to house two adults for a weekend getaway and the choice of land or water is up to the travelers. The amphibious nature of the modern camper fits into the flexible lifestyle we lead today, especially since air travel is not on the cards anytime soon it is opening up a lot of avenues for local trips in less popular/offbeat locations. The durable houseboat measures 3.6 meters in length, 1.2 meters in width, and 1.55 meters in height.

The team is testing the prototype by driving it around in different weather conditions to see if this tiny electric camper can be an all-terrain travel vehicle. It uses electric assistance that lets the users control power, lighting, temperature, and more. Simply fold up the seat and it unveils the floor space for two people to lay down. This quirky blue and orange vehicle has a tricycle mounted on one side that conveniently folds up or down to transition from land to water. Z-Triton will encourage more sustainable tourism and will allow people to travel spontaneously. It is scheduled to hit the market in 2021 and I am already making a list of places I want to take it to!

Designer: Zeltini

This 100% electric pod inspired by James Bond is the worlds first floating eco-hotel suite!

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Half the year is over and we haven’t been able to catch a break. To keep my hopes up, I continue to make a travel bucket list, and right now all I want to do is go off-the-grid regardless of the place. And there is nothing more perfect for that than Anthénea which is the world’s first autonomous and eco-friendly floating suite equipped with high-end facilities. This modern pod will literally wash all those worries away and you can continue being an eco-conscious traveler!

Anthénea is a UFO-shaped water suite made in France by veteran designers, engineers, and naval architects, whose vision was to create a nomadic vessel for eco-conscious tourists. It was a project born from the dreams of Jean-Michel Ducancelle, a naval architect, who was inspired by James Bond’s floating pod in ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’ (1977). The 50 sqm pod has three living spaces – a living area, a sleeping zone, and a lounge area that features a 360° solarium on its roof for 12 people. All interior elements are entirely made from sustainable materials. Anthénea adapts to a wide temperature range (-30°C to +40°C) and its stabilizing ballasting keeps the seasickness at bay! Coastlines are often overburdened with tourism and Anthénea offers an ecological way to lighten that load while promoting sustainable travel which is our ultimate future.

The design has been decided upon after extensive study so that it can resist cataclysms and the rise of oceans. Its spherical shape is based on the principle of surface tension observed in nature. This is the optimal form of resistance to extreme conditions on the water. “By its shape and lift on water technology, the peripheral crown enhances the stability of the pod,” adds the team. It is equipped with silent electric motors that can keep it afloat indefinitely thanks to five south-facing solar panels and two electric propulsion pods. “Anthénea only uses solar power. An energy sensor dome meets the electrical and hot water needs. The home is equipped with certified black and gray water stations. She produces what she consumes and releases clean water only,” says the team. The domed shape helps optimize the sun’s rays for solar power and blend seamlessly into the environment. The central well serves as an undersea observatory and natural air conditioning system – design details like this about the structure makes Anthénea self-sustaining.

The most aesthetic part aside from the submarine-like views is the solarium with a motorized reclinable sunshade roof that enables it to automatically switch in the wind direction and facilitate natural ventilation of the living areas. All equipment and design choices are inspired by natural elements. Guests can upgrade their suites to include a desalination system and wood-burning stove that can be installed anywhere with zero environmental impact. Anthénea is a new kind of tourism, but also a new way of life in the face of many environmental challenges.

Designer: Jean-Michel Ducancelle of Anthénea

   

This energy-efficient superyacht uses solar panels spanning over 200 square meters!

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We are in the age of electric vehicles but when we think of them all that ever comes to mind is cars. Electric vehicles go beyond just road transportation. While it may take some time to have electric ones that actually fly or sail, concept designs like Kira show us that the design innovation for them has already begun!

Isaac Burrough, a designer from New Zealand, has created a 110 meters long superyacht concept that uses current and future sustainable technologies to maximize the impact. Kiwa is named after the Māori guardian of the ocean which is a fitting name given that its goal is to help the planet through its energy-saving features and sleek design. ‘The intention for Kiwa was to design a superyacht that is both modern and elegant. Her sleek silhouette combined with curvaceous surfaces adds grace despite her exploration capabilities. A yacht that will look sophisticated whether cruising the Mediterranean or the arctic,” says the designer.

Kiwa’s narrow, low-volume to length hull ensures motor-efficiency from the ground up. The yacht also features 200 square meters of solar panels that power the everyday activities, crew usage as well as the hotel load. Along with lowering fuel consumption it also uses a hybrid propulsion system that allows it to select an electric-only mode when the yacht wants to enter remote zones – this promotes sustainable traveling as it cuts out the pollution and also lets guests enjoy al fresco dining without the generator noise! Looking to incorporate the best that engineering has to offer, its electric capacity is expected to extend from several hours to unlimited as solar and battery technologies advance enabling emission-free motoring.

As it protects nature, Kiwa also allows her guests to enjoy nature! The expansive deck areas and 175 square meters of storage space encourage the guests to be outside and also get comfortable with living a different lifestyle for an extended period of time. The large main deck has sliding doors and multiple lounge areas that make versatile pockets of sanctuaries in shade or sun. And what is a yacht without a pool? Of course, Kiwa has not one but multiple pools! The one above the swim platform is a glass-bottom pool and is cantilevered off the main deck and, on the lower deck, in-built sun pads are partially covered by the blue rays emitting from the glass. The sun pads provide a panoramic view while the sun deck boasts a jacuzzi with an elevated and equally unobtrusive view. Even the spa area has semi-submerged pools that allow guests to enjoy scenery both above and below the water surface. Kiwa is an example of how we can use technology for a sustainable future full of travels!

Designer: Isaac Burrough

This $172,000 sustainable luxury boat is on our summer wish list

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I am sure we are all dreaming about summer and places we would rather be at. It would be amazing if we could just get on a boat and go on an ocean adventure around the world, but since we all have to play our part in flattening the curve, the best we can do is stay indoors and look at beautiful boats like the Leisure 28. Digital getaways are fun too, so now let me show you around this sustainable luxury boat!

Leisure 28 is a sleek electric boat designed by Rand Boats, a Danish company committed to using sustainable design and innovative technology for giving you the best experience out on the water. This boat is built on the pillars of modern Scandinavian design and has powerful electric propulsion (so no motor noise or fuel smell!) with a maximum speed of 45 mph that can run for two hours without a recharge. Its hull design helps in making it ultralight and optimizes the performance effortlessly. Leisure 28 is made of a mix of recycled plastics and bio-based hybrids which makes it environmentally friendly.

The luxury boat has been crafted keeping in mind the social interactions during summers and making most of the space without turning into a cruise ship. It has a cabin with a queen-sized bed and an adjustable 12 seater table that turns into a king-size sundeck when lowered. There is an exclusive kitchen & bar space, and when the time is right for us to all be together again that is where we are going to hang out. If you are wondering about a bathroom, yes, there is one and I am also surprised how much Leisure 28 can hold for its size.

Rand Boats are proud of making something that is first and foremost a highly functional design, so whether you are high-speed cruising or riding big ocean waves, Leisure 28 will ensure a smooth sailing experience. Let’s continue dreaming about this minimal, graceful, luxurious boat we all need…and can have for USD 172,000.

Designer: Rand Boats