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Technology is never static, and it continues to transform the world in ways that leave an impact for generations to come, as is the case of EVs. That perfectly explains the era we live in today, where what you think is the in thing today may be irrelevant after a short while. So, when you see such an invention as the all-electric Eelex 8000, you should understand that the new age is already here.

Currently, there is a lot of talk about EVs in the automotive world, and that will continue until we see many more of them on our roads. However, at the moment, the industry still has a lot of work to do and infrastructure that needs to be put in place before people embrace them. Still, as much as that is the case, the truth is that the future of the automobile industry is electric.

The EV movement and its recent growth

An 'Electric Vehicle Charging Point' sign tied to grating
An ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Point’ sign | Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images

EV fascination started with concerns about the impact of an increase in greenhouse gas emissions on planet earth. Since then, the world has been experiencing extreme weather conditions, including floods, deadly storms, wildfires, and unusually high temperatures. Eventually, that has prompted experts to find ways to reduce harmful emissions, including those in the automotive sector.

Since the need to counter the effects of climate change is urgent, the EV movement has grown rather quickly to try and address this problem. The expectation is that EVs will go a long way toward supporting green initiatives. Such undertakings focus on reducing the carbon footprint and making the world habitable for humans.

The all-electric Eelex 8000 and its specifications

Indeed, EVs are still turning heads on the roads, and some of the world’s largest automakers are gearing up for an all-electric future. On the other hand, the marine industry is still in its infancy stages of electrification. 

X Shore is one of those pioneers driving the green initiative forward. According to Power & Motoryacht, presently, sustainable solutions and technological advancements are part of the priorities of the Swedish firm. The official U.S. debut of X Shore’s Eelex 8000 was at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. It is also worth mentioning that the 26-foot boat has since been delivered to three continents.

Limited charging infrastructure and range are common barriers to the adoption of all-electric boats, and the Eelex 8000 addresses such issues. That is possible since the boat has software to help owners plan their route, and it also offers a substantial range. Once one identifies the ideal route, the boat’s software lets them know their speed to travel to arrive at their destination.

It is also interesting to discover that you can use any electrical outlet to plug in your cellphone to charge the Eelex 8000. Additionally, at slower speeds of between 6-8 knots, this boat has a reportedly industry-leading range of 100nm, yet it can travel for 2 hours at 25 knots, and its top speed is 35 knots. Additionally, the boat’s internal software lets owners connect to it through their smartphone or Garmin watch. 

That way, the boat goes into standby mode when it senses the watch approaching, and at the press of a button, the water vessel starts. That is much like the case of modern autos. On the other hand, when one falls overboard, the Eelex 8000 will sense that the owner’s Garmin watch is underwater and will shut down. In turn, that provides added safety for owners of this water vessel.

Also, the boat’s software is always collecting data about the vessel to facilitate performance optimization and predictive maintenance. So, most repairs on the vessel can be done remotely over the software, which also suggests that the boat should require less maintenance. Note that X Shore can roll out every upgrade to owners through the same software since the company is continually tuning the Eelex 8000.

Additionally, X Shore’s commitment to green innovation is not limited to its all-electric boat’s powertrain alone. The company has a flax fiber option and offers the hull as a combination of carbon fiber and fiberglass. Also, instead of conventional teak, the boat uses cork, and the flax fiber is combined with a green epoxy that is 40% plant-based. That, in turn, offers a more biodegradable structure of the water vessel.

The boat’s batteries can reportedly last for 30-60 years, and once depleted, they can be replaced. Also, the vessel comes as a bareboat design, and one can opt for different layout modules, including diving, fishing, watersport, and social designs. Each of these modules then clips onto two aluminum rails inside the water vessel.

Electric boat options other than the Eelex 8000

Below are some of the other electric boat options currently being developed.

Frauscher 650 Alassio 

The other company that is helping to push electric technology forward is Frauscher, an Australian firm whose rise is the result of strict European inland boating regulations. The boat’s Torqeedo/BMW combo provides 60kW for a cruising range of 42nm at 5 knots and a top speed of 18 knots.

Greenline 40 Hybrid

The Greenline 40 Hybrid is an electrical innovation that offers silent 7-knot cruising for up to 3 hours, thanks to its pair of electric motors. Additionally, the yacht’s entire 240V domestic electrical system runs on six 1.8kW solar panels that generate sufficient power.

Candela C-7

The power of foiling technology of the Candela C-7 is a world first. Besides being capturing, the Swedish-built electric boat creates minimal drag. That is possible because of its space-age foils that lift the hull off the water. The vessel delivers a 55nm cruising range and a 30-knot top speed with only 55kW of power.

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