Transportation represents a significant part of our air-pollution problems--and possible improvements. In the past two months we have brought you stories on expanding EV charging stations, battery-storage improvements, solar apps to trucking, fully electric buses and, now, we bring you a report on technology changes for powering boats:
Our thanks to the Environmental News Notwork for their story:
"The Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf and Ford C-Max Energi are the top three electric vehicles on the roadways, but what about our waterways? Electric cars aren’t the only vehicles transforming sustainable and economical transportation. Electric boats are also traversing historic waterways and canals that have been polluted with oil and noise. Electric boats may be the only watercraft permitted on municipal waters by 2020, and New Electric is already influencing the electric vehicles industry as an electric-conversion business dedicated to battery-powered boats.
About 700 million gallons of oil pollute oceans every year, according to Clean Technica. Engine-exhaust from conventional boats and ships only worsens the harmful environmental effects. Not only is the ocean and air polluted, marine animals suffer from intense noise pollution. Watercraft are actually detrimental to sea life, such as orcas and dolphins, because of their sensitivity to loud sounds. Electric-converted watercraft are quieter and produce no air pollution.
"Making electric boats isn't just making boats cleaner; it's making boats better," explains Anne Kloppenborg, CEO of New Electric. Electric boats not only help reduce air, marine and noise pollution, the green vehicles create a more enjoyable experience. An electric motor provides power free of vibration and sound, and a state-of-the-art system has 100 percent torque available 24/7. By pumping the throttle, the boat has powerful toque without any need for a buildup. Boaters can experience the natural sounds of the water, waves and wind that are typically overwhelmed by engine noise and vibrations. Electric boats also connect people to the outdoors without relying on gas — the boat's battery runs off electricity from any source."
Idea is great but a long way to go to get this scheme everwhere. Yes if it is done it will be huge relief to our already fragile marine and coastal environment.
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