Can Yachts Be Eco-Responsible?

How ?

Already widely used in private homes, on buildings or power plants, solar panels are a fundamental element for responsible energy consumption. Being a major revolution, this technology has gained promising ground which explains the willingness of some builders or individuals to include them in the construction of their yachts.

As cars, there are hybrid models, but some are also equipped with wind turbines that can also generate energy that can be used on board.

Some advantages of an electric yacht

No pollution, neither in the air nor in the water; no noise, no smell, no smoke: this is what makes the navigation harmonious with the ocean, the sea or the river. It will therefore be possible to access protected places in some natural parks because there are no pollutants and no unnecessary vibrations. Environmental protection is the biggest advantage!

There is also an advantage in energy independence: no need to stop at the ports to recharge in fuel oil; the boat creates its own energy, and thus it can be totally autonomous. In addition, electric force is used for the movement of the boat but also for the use of connected devices on board.

Some manufacturers have concluded partnerships with brands such as Volkswagen while keeping designs very prestigious, clean and even futuristic.  At the cutting edge of modernity, these technological jewels arouse the curiosity of everyone, as the Tesla brand had done.

Some disadvantages of an electric yacht

Still very recent on the market, their price remains high because of their rarity and their slow and complicated construction; there are few yachts of their kind and their performances remain unproven. 

Indeed, an electric yacht is at the moment much less powerful than a fuel yacht, which has an impact on its speed: electric yachts are much slower. A small stroke of speed could leave you in the middle of the sea until the next recharge..

In addition, if a breakage occurs, their uniqueness complicates the search for spare parts for their repair.

So it’s hard to take the leap…

The Gustave Trouvé Awards

This award, named after a French electrical engineer, was first organized in 2020 by Plugboats.com, a website specialized in electric boats.  It rewards visionaries, shipyards and designers who have participated in the development of yachts with technologies that reduce the impact of fossil fuels on the environment.