Evoy, based in Florø, Norway, is working on keeping the pristine seascape protected. It has developed a 100% electric propulsion system for high-speed boats. Presently, the company is preparing to expand its portfolio to a turnkey 150 hp outboard system with batteries.
A press release from Evoy expressed the company’s exuberance about completely doing away with emissions from boats, moving us forward further in clean energy for those who enjoy the marine life. If you venture into the water life, take note: “Evoy delivers turnkey plug-and-play 100% electric propulsion systems to new and existing boats. Since the summer of 2019, the prototype Evoy1 – a Polarcirkel 860 – has been used for extensive testing and optimization of the system, and has now stepped up to serial production. Last summer, Evoy1 was baptized by Norway’s Prime Minister, Erna Solberg, and set an unofficial world record with 55 knots later the same year.”
Evoy is first providing this technology to commercial buyers, via an inboard electric motor system, but the plan is to get it into normal consumer hands in the beginning of 2021, with the help of 1.8 million NOK ($187,000) from Innovation Norway.
“Evoy’s systems of up to 800 hp are designed and tested to operate in the toughest environments in the world – the Norwegian coast. This year Evoy is focused on the commercial market with an inboard propulsion system for boats between 20 and 40 feet.”
The company says that it has had many inquiries to deliver outboard systems, especially from the Polar Cruise segment.
This positive news comes almost 5 years after CleanTechnica’s Susan Kraemer put out a call for help in this sector, but at least it is happening now and not in 2025.
Here’s more info from the press release: “Hurtigruten were early to announce their interest and wanted to have 30 systems delivered in the spring of 2020. We like challenges, but this inquiry was a little tight, even for us, says an excited CEO and Founder Leif A. Stavøstrand.
“The Prototype Outboard – which is not drivable yet – was to be released at the Boat Show Sjøen for Alle in Lillestrøm, Norway, March 18–22. Due to the cancellation, the World Premiere will be in Florø later this season. The Prototype is based on a 90 hk and with a more powerful lower leg, it will likely perform equivalent a 150 hp petrol engine, now with electric propulsion. The testing that will be performed during summer and fall of 2020 will give the final results on performance and range.
“Hurtigruten’s goal is to operate 100% emission free. We will lead the way towards a more sustainable tourist industry, and nothing will be more natural than to use electric propulsion, also with our smaller boats. The technology has not been ready, but we believe we can solve this together with Evoy and Frydenbø. We look forward to getting started and to experience how this works towards our usage patterns, the arctic temperatures, and of course our customers, says an enthusiastic Karin Strand, Vice President Expedition at Hurtigruten.
“Hurtigruten has a unique heritage, and this combined with a very skilled crew and small expedition ships gives them the opportunity to offer exciting and nature-based experiences in the world’s most remote areas. Hurtigruten holds 15 ships which makes them the world’s largest and versatile supplier of activity specific travels in the polar regions of the world.”
“The Outboard motor is especially designed to fit the Zodiac Milpro MARK 5, and for this boat it will perform at 115 hp. This boat is the industry standard for the Exploration Cruises in Arctic regions. The boat is delivered by Frydenbø Milpro.
“The Exploration Cruise industry has long been in demand for an electric propulsion solution. We have great expectations in this project and believe it will generate high volumes once the completed system proves to work as intended. Frydenbø Milpro finds it exciting to be part of this development and will do what we can to succeed, says a positive Trond Underhaug, Manager at Frydenbø Milpro.”
It would certainly be nice in some regions to enjoy the peace and beauty of the water without the noise and pollution of 20th century boats.
Do you have any thoughts on these electric motors and their potential for cleaning up the boating industry?
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