New rapid electric boat chargers have been unveiled in Cowes, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and preserve the Isle of Wight’s pristine coastlines.
The Aqua superPower marine fast charging stations at Trinity Landing and Shepards Marina were formally switched on yesterday (Monday).
The ribbon was cut by the Island MP Bob Seely, alongside Gary Hall, CEO at Cowes Harbour Commission and Alex Bamberg, CEO of Aqua superPower.
At the unveiling event, UK electric boat builders Vita Yachts and RS Electric Boats gave charging demonstrations and offered test rides.
Two chargers with four outlets have been added to Trinity Landing and another charger at Shepards Marina with two further outlets, forming part of the 'charging corridor' along the south coast from Portsmouth to Plymouth.
Using the new fast chargers, high-performance vessels at full speed can expect up to one hour of life, however, if less power is applied, battery can last considerably longer.
Last month, David Kendall, CEO of Optima Electric Yachts, was able to circumnavigate the Isle of Wight using just one charge, becoming the first electric boat to complete the 51-nautical mile journey.
Gary from Cowes Harbour Commission said: “Working with Alex at Aqua superPower, we pulled together a project where we could put the infrastructure in place, so that people that were considering buying electric boats had something that they could hang their hat on.
"They can say, okay, I know I can charge my boat in Cowes and I know I can charge it on pretty much anywhere in the local south coast area.
"So now, with Cowes opening today, there's an opportunity for people with electric boats - or considering buying an electric boat - to be able to travel around the Solent quite freely, not worrying about charging."
Alex from Aqua superPower said: “We are the leading front of deploying chargers along the south coast, and in fact globally and around the world, and Cowes is an absolute key pivot to this and its in the forefront.
"Its one the biggest places in the UK for boating and we're really pleased and appreciate Gary's passion for this.
“We had the hottest June ever on record in most countries around the world, and again, today, every time you pick up the news, the weather is still very extreme, with fires everywhere.
“We have to make a difference, and we’re deploying chargers in corridors, and once those chargers are in, we know the boats will follow.
"But the trick is to get these chargers in and that's where Gary has been super supportive, with Cowes leading from the front."
Alex teased that the next move could bring new fast chargers to Yarmouth Harbour.
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