Revitalizing India's Water Bodies: The Promise of Electric Boats
The state of Kerala is leading the way in the adoption of electric boats in India. The first battery-powered electric boat built for the Kochi Water Metro Project KMRL) was handed over to the Kochi Metro Rail Limited., The ferry is among the 23 boats being built by Cochin shipyard for the 747- crore rupee Kochi Water Metro project. The water metro will consist of 78 ferries, linking 38 terminals spread over 76 route kilometers.
The battery-powered water metro boat can carry 100 passengers. KMRL said it was for the first time in the world a centrally controlled integrated water transport system with a large fleet is battery powered.
The use of electric boats in India is not a new concept. In early 2017, the government of Kerala introduced a solar-powered boat, Aditya, as a ferry between Vaikkom and Thavanakkadavu.
Despite the early success of Aditya, the adoption of electric boats in India has been slow due to the lack of infrastructure and awareness about electric boats. However, the Indian government's recent push towards promoting electric vehicles and sustainable transportation has renewed interest in electric boats.
The future looks bright for Indian companies in the electric boat space. The Indian government's ambitious target of having 30% of its vehicles running on electricity by 2030 will likely create a significant demand for electric boats. Additionally, the growth of tourism in India's coastal regions is expected to drive the demand for electric boats, particularly for leisure and sightseeing purposes.
NavAlt is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for electric boats in India. The company's solar-electric boats are not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, making them an attractive option for the tourism industry.
NavAlt has also received its first export order from Maldives and the future looks bright for more opportunities for exports within Africa and Asia.
The adoption of electric boats in India is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. The Indian government's push towards promoting electric vehicles and sustainable transportation is likely to create a significant demand for electric boats. The state of Kerala is leading the way in the adoption of electric boats, with NavAlt Solar and Electric Boats being one of the key players in the space. The use of electric boats in India will not only help in preserving the country's water bodies but also create job opportunities and boost the Maritime economy.