FOR MORE ECO-
FRIENDLY MOTORING
boatint.com/
# electric-carsI
f you are looking for ways to make your
boating life more ocean-friendly, new
technology provides many propulsion
options that are kind to the seas.
The advancement in recent years of
battery tech has led to some major changes in
watercraft: the environmental advantages of
batteries are obvious, with fewer fumes and
lower carbon emissions, not to mention the
absence of noise pollution as electric engines
are invariably quieter than diesel ones.
Indeed, electric and hybrid power have
infiltrated almost every category of craft, but
a recent example that has caught my attention
is the Hinckley Dasher electric yacht (right).
At 8.6 metres it’s admittedly more of a dayboat,
but with dual waterproof batteries taken from
BMW’s exceptional i3 electric car powering
the twin 80hp inboard motors, the Dasher has
a range of 40 miles and a top speed of 27mph.
Plus, the compatibility with 50 amp charging
means you can top up the power to full in less
than four hours. Despite all the tech, which
includes a nifty touchscreen console, the
Dasher is also beautiful, with a carbon-epoxy
composite hull and teak deck. My favourite
feature is the frameless windshield that can be
raised and lowered as needed.CHECKLISTCEAN
EMBRACE
BETTER
TECHNOLOGY
Quiet, efficient electric
engines can power your
boat, board and bike,
says Jeremy WhiteIf you are looking for something smaller
by way of electrical transport, try the
Fliteboard eFoil. This all-electric, surboard-
inspired hydrofoil remains virtually silent as
it skims across the waves, yet thanks to the
paulownia wood, stainless steel, aluminium
and carbon construction it is strong but light.
Also, as the carbon hydrofoil unibody design
doesn’t generate a wake, you can ride fast
without disrupting others or wildlife up
to a top speed of 22mph over 17 miles.
For a convenient land-based motor that
is easily stored aboard, there’s the stylishly
minimal Cake Kalk bike (above left). Its
15kW mid-motor direct-drive electric engine
generates 16hp, while the 50Ah battery allows
the Kalk to reach a top speed of 50mph and
go for 50 miles on a single charge. Cleverly,
every component has been developed from
scratch, and the bike uses a mix of aerospace
grade aluminium and carbon fibre to keep the
weight down below 70kg. The first limited run
proved extremely popular, so get your pre-
order in early. hinckleyyachts.com; fliteboard.
com; ridecake.comJeremy White is product editor
of Wi red magazineThe Fliteboard
eFoil can run for
around an hour
before rechargingIn 2017, Adidas sold one million shoes made of recycled plastic
waste collected from or near the water. Now the company has again
collaborated with Parley for the Oceans to release a new edition of its
NMD_CS1 trainers (left). The one-piece Primeknit construction is made
using Parley Ocean Plastic yarn, fabricated from recycled plastic collected
from beaches. The sock-like fit ensures comfort, and the sole features
Boost technology to add a spring to your step. adidas.co.ukBE SHORE FOOTED
Parley
Primeknit
shoes, £170,
adidas.co.uk