I was recently sitting waterside by upstate New York’s gorgeous Mirror Lake.
It took me a moment to put my finger on why it was so stunningly serene.
Obviously, it’s Ma’ Nature, but there was something different.
Then — ah! — it was silent. And this due to motor restrictions on the lake. They’re not allowed.
While from time to time I love a good wave-busting speedboat, it got me thinking that perhaps electric boats are they way.
And this new BMW-powered boat has my number.
From German manufacturer, comes an all-electric boat with a BMW i3 powertrain. The team has integrated the same 33 kWh battery from the i3 into their Deep Blue 80i e-boat model.
“We see the decision by Torqeedo to use BMW high-voltage batteries for their Deep Blue propulsion system as further evidence that we can build the drive systems of the future without any need for compromise on performance, and sustainability,” said Dr. Alexander Kotouc, Head of Product Management BMW i. “This successful transfer of the latest automotive technology to the water is a testament to the value of the integrated approach that underpins BMW i.”
Better yet, the system can be adapted into several varieties of boats including sailing yachts, motor and water taxis.
No price has been released quite yet. The savings of an electric boat versus an inefficient gas-powered boat are certain to be vast, but the silence you’re paying for — priceless.
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