An overview of electric and solar boats market in France

Abstract

Electric boats (EBoats)1 have a major role to play for the transportation of passengers, and even goods, into the centre of the cities endowed with seaborne or fluvial paths or in each places to fit the environmental rules decided by local authorities to limit the access to protected water areas. Waterways accessing downtown are identified in many cities as relevant commuting solutions. Three market segments are emerging based on the boat uses: spare-time activities, public transportation services and goods or services applications. These boats have been developed for inland as well as maritime waters: they exist in pure electrical or hybrid versions depending on needs. They use lead acid, NiCad or lithium batteries technology. The French Electric Boats Association (AFBE), including 60 members, has identified to key levers for the development of this market: strengthening the industry position and boosting the governmental incentives. This document offers a description of the most significant electric boats applications in France, while providing the technical key points that allowed such efficient services to be reached.