Thinking of buying a small boat? Here’s why it should probably be electric
There’s no denying the appeal of gliding over the open water, wind in your hair, and the sun on your face. Boat ownership has long been a cherished dream for many, and with more options for small, affordable boats than ever, that dream is widely becoming a reality. But in recent years there has been an exciting shift in the market towards electric boats. The boating industry, like many other sectors, is undergoing an electric revolution. More and more people are choosing electric boats over their traditional gasoline-powered counterparts, and it’s not hard to see why.
When it comes to speedboats, electric boats may offer many advantages but are still unfortunately quite pricey. With many models costing over US $300,000, a luxury electric speedboat probably isn’t in most our futures.
But when it comes to smaller recreational boats, there are plenty of affordable options out there. So perhaps it’s time to take a look at all the reasons why an electric boat might be for you.
Smooth, quiet, and pleasurable ride
One of the less expected but no less important benefits of electric boats is the serene experience they offer.
Electric motors are incredibly quiet compared to their combustion-powered counterparts, providing a peaceful and smooth ride. This means you can enjoy the sound of the waves, the rustling of the wind, and the calls of wildlife, all without the constant hum of a motor in the background. This tranquil experience can significantly enhance your time on the water.
It’s a similar experience that many off-road vehicle enthusiasts are beginning to experience with electric ATVs and UTVs. While loud combustion engines can scare off wildlife long before they even see the vehicle coming, quiet electric off-road vehicles often allow their occupants to get the best views of nature and the animals that occupy it. The same is true for electric boats, letting you pierce further into serene and undisturbed rivers and streams to enjoy nature without the cacophony of a combustion engine.
Embracing sustainability with electric boats
One of the most obvious as well as most meaningful advantages of electric boats is their positive environmental impact compared to boats with combustion engines. As more people become increasingly conscious of their carbon footprints and look for ways to reduce their impact on the environment, switching to an electric boat could be a significant step in the right direction.
Electric boats produce zero emissions during operation, a stark contrast to gasoline-powered boats that emit carbon dioxide and other pollutants. This helps in mitigating climate change and preserving the quality of our air and water. That’s also a key reason that many lakes in the US, especially in residential complexes, only allow electric or non-powered boats.
Combustion engine-powered boats don’t only have global climate impacts, they also contribute to local pollution that you can see in your own nearby waterways.
Lower operating costs
While the upfront cost of an electric boat may be higher than a gasoline-powered boat, the long-term operating costs are considerably lower. Electric boats are cheaper to run as electricity is much less expensive than marine gasoline. And despite the higher up front cost, there are still plenty of affordable electric boats on the market.
Maintenance costs for electric boats are also substantially lower. Electric motors have fewer moving parts than gasoline engines, meaning there’s less that can go wrong. They don’t require oil changes, filters, or tune-ups that you would usually associate with maintaining a gasoline engine.
While most marine combustion engines require maintenance as often as every 100 hours, some electric marine motors can go as much as 3,000 hours without maintenance. For a weekend boat that gets used eight hours a week, that’s over seven years between maintenance stops.
Increased safety
Electric boats offer a safer boating experience compared to traditional gasoline-powered boats. There’s no risk of gasoline leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, which are real concerns with internal combustion engines.
Furthermore, the simple, robust design of electric motors means less risk of mechanical failures while you’re out on the water.
The lower noise of an electric boat also makes it easier to hear approaching threats or calls for help.
In an emergency, electric boats can even “idle” at almost zero power drain, allowing the use of electronics such as radios for long periods of time. A small folding solar panel on board can ensure enough power generation for extended periods of low-power operation.
Ease of use
Electric boats are surprisingly easy to operate, making them an excellent choice for novice boaters. The controls are straightforward, with no need to worry about gear shifts or engine stalls.
The instant torque from an electric motor also ensures quick and responsive acceleration, providing better maneuverability and control.
In fact, electric boats are even a great way to teach kids about boating without the added complications of combustion engines, which can be more finicky, louder, and more difficult to control.
Incentives and benefits
Some countries and regions offer incentives and benefits for those who opt for electrically powered boats, as part of efforts to promote eco-friendly alternatives.
These can range from tax credits and rebates on purchase costs to special access to restricted waterways and preferential docking.
Access to electric-only and non-powered lakes or streams is also a major advantage of electric boats over gas-powered vessels.
Maybe it’s time for an electric boat
The age of electric boats is upon us, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of the boating community. Choosing an e-boat is a chance to align your passion for boating with a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility that effects us all.
Apart from their green credentials, electric boats also offer a host of practical benefits. The tranquility of a noiseless ride, the reduced operating costs, the increased safety, and the ease of use all come together to provide an enhanced boating experience.
While the shift to electric may not be for everyone, it’s an option that merits serious consideration. The market offers a variety of options to cater to different needs and budgets, making it easier than ever to make the switch. You can even find electric boats for under $800 on Amazon, believe it or not.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the nautical world, the prospect of owning an electric boat offers an exciting twist to traditional boating.
Sure, gasoline-powered boats have their place and continue to serve many boaters well, especially on longer journeys, but the tide is undeniably turning. The sun is slowly setting on the era of fossil fuels and the electric revolution in boating is set to navigate us toward cleaner waters. Perhaps it’s time to embrace this exciting change and set sail toward a sustainable boating future with an electric boat. I did, and I don’t regret it.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
The average US new car price crossed the $50,000 mark for the first time in September, according to new estimates from Kelley Blue Book (KBB). Prices have been climbing steadily for over a year, and the pace picked up this summer – but that hasn’t stopped Americans from buying.
KBB says September’s record average transaction price (ATP) was partly driven by luxury models and EVs, which pushed the market into record territory. EVs made up an estimated 11.6% of all new vehicles sold last month, which is also a record high. The average EV sold for $58,124 – up 3.5% from August’s adjusted figure.
In Q3, EV sales hit another milestone: 437,487 EVs were sold in the US, giving them a 10.5% market share. That’s nearly a 30% jump from the same period last year. With government-backed EV incentives expiring at the end of September, many buyers hurried to lock in their purchases.
Year-over-year, the average EV transaction price is basically flat, down just 0.4%. Incentives averaged 15.3% of ATP in September, or about $8,900 per vehicle – slightly lower than August but higher than a year ago, when incentives averaged 13%.
Tesla, which continues to dominate the EV market, saw an average ATP of $54,138 in September. That’s a slight dip from August and down 6.8% from a year earlier. With Tesla recently introducing the new Standard versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, KBB expects average prices across the segment to fall in the coming months. Erin Keating, executive analyst at Cox Automotive, thinks the market is “ripe for disruption.”
“It is important to remember that the new-vehicle market is inflationary. Prices go up over time, and today’s market is certainly reminding us of that,” said Keating. “The $20,000 vehicle is now mostly extinct, and many price-conscious buyers are sidelined or cruising in the used-vehicle market. Tariffs have introduced new cost pressure to the business, but the pricing story in September was mostly driven by the healthy mix of EVs and higher-end vehicles pushing the new-vehicle ATP into uncharted territory.”
Read more: US EV sales smash records in August as Tesla loses ground
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
It’s official. The Genesis GV70 is about to get two new electrified options, including its first hybrid and extended-range (EREV) versions.
Two new Genesis GV70 electrified SUVs are coming soon
Genesis is turning 10, and it’s planning to go all out. Hyundai gave us a look at what’s coming last month during its CEO Investor Day.
The plans include Genesis expanding with new electrified powertrain offerings, including its first hybrid and extended-range electric vehicles.
Up until now, the luxury automaker has focused on fully electric (EV) or internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. By expanding into different electrified powertrains, Genesis hopes to attract new buyers to the brand while grabbing a bigger share of the luxury market.
Genesis will launch its first hybrid in 2026, the GV80. We knew the GV70 EREV would follow shortly after, but now it’s been confirmed that a hybrid model is also set to join the lineup.
We got our first look at the Genesis GV70 EREV last week. The vehicle was parked in South Korea and appeared to be nearly identical to the current model. Aside from a tag labeling it an EREV and a massive muffler at the back, it looks about the same as the Electrified GV70.
Now, we are finally getting a glimpse of the Hybrid version. The Genesis GV70 Hybrid was also caught by HealerTV in South Korea, this time with an HEV tag.
Like the EREV, the GV70 Hybrid is still covered in camouflage, but this time, you can see the vehicle has the brand’s sport package. The optional package adds sporty exterior and interior elements, including chrome around the Crest Grille and window trim.
The vehicle is still a prototype, so it could change by the time it reaches production form. However, as the reporter points out, the GV70 Hybrid could bring a unique new look to the GV70 series.
On the side of the tire, the letters “FL” are printed, which is typically shown on Hyundai vehicles set to receive a facelift.
Genesis is expected to launch the GV70 EREV in late 2026, followed by the Hybrid version sometime in early 2027.
According to Hyundai, the EREV will have a combined driving range of over 1,000 km (620 miles). Although it still runs on an electric motor, it will feature a small gas motor that acts as a generator to charge the battery and extend the driving range.
Genesis is betting on new electrified vehicles, including EVs, hybrids, and EREVs, to drive growth. The luxury brand aims to expand into up to 20 new European markets while gaining a bigger share of the US market. By 2030, Genesis aims to sell 350,000 vehicles.
Although it had planned to only offer fully electric vehicles from 2030, Genesis backed off on its commitment. Instead, it will use hybrids and EREVs as a bridge to an all-electric future.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Duracell, the iconic US battery brand that started in the 1920s, is crossing the Atlantic to launch its first-ever EV fast charging network, Duracell E-Charge, in the UK.
Sales of gas and diesel cars will end by 2030 in the UK, which is driving EV sales and charging infrastructure growth. With more than £200 million ($266 million) in planned investment over the next decade, Duracell E-Charge is getting on the bandwagon with an aim to improve the fast charging experience.
Duracell has licensed its new network to Elektra Charge, a charge point operator set up to run the Duracell E-Charge network. The EV Network (EVN), one of the UK’s top charging infrastructure developers, will fund and build the charging hubs.
“The need for faster, more reliable charging to keep pace with EV adoption is clear,” said Reza Shaybani, CEO of The EV Network. “Duracell E-Charge is a direct response to that challenge.”
Duracell’s EV fast charging network will feature 400 kW ultra-fast chargers where drivers can pay via app, contactless, or plug-and-go. Each site will have intuitive interfaces, clear signage, and 24/7 support.
The first six Duracell E-Charge sites will come online in 2025. The Sunday Times reported that Duracell plans to grow its charging network to at least 100 charging stations with at least 500 charging points by 2030. The hubs will be strategically located along major motorways, near retail and hospitality venues, and at key city gateways.
“Charging your car should be as simple as changing the batteries in your remote,” said Mark Bloxham, managing director of Duracell E-Charge. “Plug. Play. Go.”
Electrek’s Take
I asked Duracell whether it had plans to launch Duracell E-Charge in the US, and I’ll update this story if I hear back. But if you want to know why this American legacy company launched its first DC fast charging network in the UK instead of the US, it’s a simple answer. Business-friendly, stable government policy.
Read more: InstaVolt is using GPS tracking to catch thieves stealing its EV charging cables
The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports2 years agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports3 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports3 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment1 year agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024