Photo by Navalt on Unplash
Almost 10 years ago, I had the fortune of visiting a stunning natural park in Croatia called Plitvice. There, I encountered beautiful lakes with crystal-clear waters. Part of the experience involved crossing some of these lakes in a boat that, in my opinion, moved a bit slowly, but so quietly that it allowed me to truly connect with nature during the journey. It wasn’t until later that I learned the boat was electric. “Of course!” I thought to myself. “These types of boats are ideal for preserving such pristine lakes!” Until that moment, I had never considered the full potential of electric boats. That changed a few years later, when I attended a conference in Colombia, at the University of the Andes, on electric nautical mobility, specifically tailored to the realities of countries like mine. What I learned there had a profound impact on me.
In this piece, I will explain why electric nautical mobility is so critical to the sustainable development of many regions across the globe. However, before diving into that, I would like to provide an explanation of some relevant technical concepts.
Watt’s on the water: Understanding the tech behind electric boats
What is an electric boat?
Electric boats are watercraft powered by electric motors instead of traditional combustion engines. These motors draw energy from onboard battery banks, which can be recharged by plugging into the electrical grid. During operation, the electric motor efficiently converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, propelling the boat forward.
In addition to grid charging, renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines or hydrokinetic turbines1 can be integrated into the boat’s design. These systems allow for battery charging even while the boat is in use, enhancing sustainability and reducing reliance on shore power.
There are several other emerging technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells that emit only water vapor as a byproduct, offer longer ranges2 and faster refueling times compared to conventional batteries. However, their use is currently limited to a few specialized marine applications.
Why are electric boats environmentally friendly?
Electric boats offer a greener alternative to traditional combustion-powered vessels. With fewer moving parts and no combustion engine, they produce zero emissions during operation. This not only reduces their carbon footprint but also results in significantly quieter travel— creating a more peaceful boating experience and minimizing disruption to wildlife.
Additionally, because electric motors don’t rely on fuel or oil, there’s a much lower risk of chemical leaks or spills due to poor maintenance. This helps protect delicate aquatic ecosystems and keeps waterways cleaner and healthier.
One common environmental concern is the use of batteries, particularly regarding the extraction of raw materials and the challenges of safe disposal. While this is a complex issue deserving a dedicated article—which I plan to write soon— it’s worth noting that battery technology is evolving rapidly. Innovations focusing on sustainability and circular economy principles are already emerging, offering promising solutions for more responsible battery production, usage, and recycling.
Some advantages and disadvantages of electric boats
In addition to their well-known environmental benefits, electric boats offer several other notable advantages:
- Lower maintenance requirements: Electric boats have significantly fewer moving parts compared to traditional combustion engine boats, largely due to the absence of a fuel system and transmission. This results in reduced maintenance needs and costs.
- Reduced operating costs: In most cases, electricity is far less expensive than fuel. As a result, the cost of operating an electric boat is substantially lower over time.
Despite these advantages, electric boats still face some notable challenges:
- Higher initial investment: Currently, the upfront cost of purchasing an electric boat is typically higher than that of a combustion engine counterpart. This is primarily due to the relatively new and niche nature of electric propulsion technology, which leads to higher production costs. However, for commercial applications—such as passenger transport—these initial expenses can often be offset over time through savings on fuel and maintenance.
- Limited range: Electric boats generally have a shorter range compared to fuel-powered boats. While they can achieve longer distances at lower speeds, higher speeds—which may be necessary for certain operations—significantly reduce range.
- Charging limitations: Battery charging can take several hours, and the availability of charging infrastructure remains limited in many areas.
Nevertheless, ongoing technological advancements and the gradual expansion of charging infrastructure are addressing these limitations, making electric boats an increasingly viable and attractive option for the future of maritime transport.
After diving into the technical side of things, I’d now like to shift focus to a more human perspective. Electric nautical mobility isn’t just about innovation— it’s a key tool for sustainable development in many remote3 and coastal regions around the world. This belief took shape during a conference I attended at the University of the Andes and has deepened over the years through further research.
Empowering remote and coastal communities: The role of electric boats in sustainable development
What comes to mind when you hear “Amazon region”? Maybe a wild, untamed jungle? An inhospitable place? You wouldn’t be wrong. But here’s the thing—despite its harsh and often challenging environment, the Amazon is home to over 47 million people who are spread across nine countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela), as well as the overseas territory of French Guiana.
In the Amazon, aside from river transport, accessibility by land is extremely limited. Most communities are located deep within the region, where there are no roads to support ground transportation.
Given the absence of roads, the limited availability of air transport, and the vast distances between settlements, around 90% of transportation in the Amazon is carried out via rivers. River transport is not only essential to everyday life but also the most environmentally sustainable option. Indeed, it helps avoid the construction of new roads—an important consideration, since 90% of deforestation in the Amazon occurs within 5.5 kilometers of roads.
Typically, communities use canoes with combustion engines for transportation. These are vital for traveling to larger towns to obtain goods that aren’t available locally or to sell products cultivated in the forest. Canoes are also used to transport tourists, schoolchildren, or individuals seeking medical care.
Due to the challenging environment and infrastructure gaps, mobility in the region is a major effort for locals—not just in terms of cost, but also time, quality, and accessibility. Take fuel, for example: its availability varies widely depending on the region’s geography. Without road access, fuel is often flown into remote areas by small aircraft and then transported by canoe, resulting in extremely high prices. The complexity of this supply chain also increases the risk that fuel won’t reach its destination at all. This lack of reliability and the high costs involved are significant barriers to sustainable development in regions like the Amazon.
Given this reality, it is imperative to address the issue of mobility by river by reducing its reliance on fossil fuels—an essential step toward improving the quality of life for communities in remote regions like the Amazon.
In this context, electric nautical mobility presents itself as a promising and innovative solution to the challenges of navigating short- and medium-distance routes in the region. Yet, while the world has made significant strides in land-based electric mobility—with the rise of electric cars, trains, and bicycles—river transport remains largely overlooked, in part due to the limited economic development of the regions that depend on this mode of travel.
Considering the critical role that electric mobility can play in these regions, it is essential that the lack of basic services—such as energy and transportation—no longer be addressed through fragmented, sector-specific strategies. Instead, electrification initiatives in these areas should be designed to incorporate electric mobility solutions from the beginning.
The realities faced in the Amazon are far from unique. Similar challenges are found in many other parts of the world, such as regions across Africa. In my own country, Colombia, there are multiple areas—for instance, the Pacific and Atlantic coasts—where mobility issues are related not only to limited fuel access but also to the need to preserve fragile ecosystems, which are vital for sustaining activities like fishing and tourism.
Let us now look at examples of electric nautical mobility solutions implemented in two very different regions—both facing the same urgent need for sustainable development.
Solar-powered boats for the Achuar communities
In eastern Ecuador, along the Wichimi River near the Peruvian border, five electric boats are serving 12 indigenous Achuar communities. Each boat is powered by solar panels installed on the roof and provides transportation for education, healthcare services, and eco-tourism.
This initiative was made possible by Kara Solar, a non-profit organization that has worked closely with the Achuar people from the very beginning. Rather than simply delivering the boats, Kara Solar involved the communities throughout the entire process—training local residents to operate, maintain, and repair the vessels independently.
The first electric boat was launched in 2016, and since then, four more have been added, each varying in size. The largest can carry up to 20 passengers, reach speeds of up to 19 km/h, and have a range of up to 97 km. Batteries can be charged via nine onshore solar charging stations, equipped with solar photovoltaic systems installed in riverside communities. These systems also supply electricity to schools, computer labs, internet hubs, and eco-lodges.
As of August 2024, Kara Solar estimates that the boats have completed more than 3,000 trips, transporting over 1,000 passengers. In environmental terms, this solution has not only reduced carbon emissions and water pollution— it has also allowed eco-tourists to experience local wildlife more intimately, without scaring it away.
Electric boats for fisherman in Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is a vital source of livelihood and food for more than 30 million people across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Every day, an estimated 25,000 combustion engine boats operate on the lake, contributing to significant pollution and threatening the fish population.
To tackle this inefficient, costly, and environmentally harmful motorization, Dutch startup Asobo has been equipping fishing boats with electric motors since 2020, starting in the fishing village of Mbita, Kenya.
Operating under a lease-based model, Asobo allows fishermen to rent an electric motor for approximately €38 per month. Since fishing typically takes place at night, the system is designed so that each morning, fishermen return used batteries and receive a fully charged set in the evening, at a daily cost of €7.50. Certainly, this approach cleverly addresses the challenge of long charging times.
Local Kenyan technicians handle maintenance and offer 24/7 support for any issues that arise on the water. Each battery is also equipped with a GPS tracker, allowing for real-time location tracking in case of emergencies.
While the initiative has faced challenges— including repeated motor failures between Q3 2022 and Q1 2023—these setbacks have been resolved. As of 2024, the project remains active and is expanding, with plans to scale operations to neighboring countries such as Uganda.
More than mobility: A path toward sustainable and inclusive development
Electric nautical mobility is far more than an environmentally friendly innovation— it’s a lifeline. For many communities around the world, it offers access to reliable, affordable transportation. It means children can get to school, patients can reach medical care when they need it, and local economies can grow through stronger, more efficient trade routes.
These solutions have the power to strengthen autonomy and resilience in remote and coastal regions, laying the foundation for more sustainable and inclusive development. And while there are already inspiring examples of electric boats transforming lives across the globe, countless communities have yet to benefit from this shift.
To close that gap, government action is essential. With the right policies, incentives, and investment in innovation, electric nautical mobility can become more accessible, more affordable, and more impactful. It’s not just a matter of technology— it’s a matter of equity, opportunity, and our shared sustainable future.
References
Africanews (2024). Motorboat company launches electric fishing boats on Lake Victoria. Accessed 21/04/2025
Atlas (no data). Remote Areas. Accessed 21/04/2025
Candela (2022). Electric vs. combustion engine boats; (all you need to know) Accessed 21/04/2025
Candela (2024). What are Electric Boats; (Are They All the Same?) Accessed 21/04/2025
CNN (2024). Solar-powered boats are silently sailing through Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest. Accessed 21/04/2025
DW (2022). Can e-boats help clean up Lake Victoria? Accessed 21/04/2025
E-Wave (no data). ASOBO Ltd. Accessed 21/04/2025
Kara Solar (no date). Our Story. Accessed 21/04/2025
Wilmsmeier, G., Jaimurzina, A. (2017). Energy Efficiency and Electric-Powered Mobility by River: Sustainable Solutions for Amazonia. Accessed 21/04/2025
WWF (2023). Top facts about the Amazon. Accessed 21/04/2025
- A hydrokinetic turbine is a type of generator that extracts energy from the kinetic energy of flowing water. ↩︎
- The range of an electric boat refers to the distance it can travel on a single full charge of its batteries. ↩︎
- In this context, a remote region is a geographic area that is characterized by being far from major population centers and often lacking easy access to services and amenities. ↩︎
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