Since diving into the deep end when it comes to energy issues, almost every day sees new fascinating concepts, approaches, and technologies. Fascinating … exciting … even hope inspiring at times. And, as well, as the passion builds, so many of these are truly Energy COOL.
Now, in the path toward a prosperous and sustainable future, many would
(with reason) call for shedding excess, for recognizing constraints and choosing conservation over consumption. The reality of the world that we live in is that there is much consumerism, much expenditure on what might be considered ‘frivolity’ and luxuries. Today’s Energy COOL item might outrage some even as it potentially provides a path for reducing damage done by something intruding on beach reveries of many around the world.
EcoWatercraft has developed an electric jet ski.
EcoWatercraft lays out seven reasons for “why electric” that echo reasons for electrifying transit and, well, why I have an electric lawn mower (around for when the push mower just won’t do the trick) that range from reduced maintenance costs to reduced environmental impact (due to zero (direct) emissions, no gasoline into the water, reduced noise, etc …).
As one who has had idyllic walks with the kids blasted by roars from distant jet skis, EcoWatercraft has come along with a truly Energy COOL (even if not critical) item for the globe’s beach resorts.
Let’s look at EcoWatercraft seven reasons for “why electric”
Environmental Impact – In 1998 it was reported that a seven hour ride on a 2 stroke Jet Ski kicks out more pollution than an old model car driving 100,000 miles. Jet skis are one of the top pollutants to water in the United States. It was estimated in 2001 that air pollution from Jet skis imposes at least 240 million dollars a year in healthcare costs to Americans. The ECO will produce absolutely zero emissions. No more gasoline expelled into the water or toxic fumes making swimmers nauseous.
First, that seven-hours is clearly about some specific types of pollutants. This does not deal with GHGs as CO2 is basically directly correlated with how much gasoline is burned. A 7-hour jet ski ride seems unlikely to burn the 5,000 or so gallons that “an old model car” might require to travel 100,000 miles.
In addition, let’s face facts. “The ECO will produce absolutely zero emissions” is simply not true. The operation of the ECO, on the water, might produce zero emissions but the manufacturing process (even though EcoWatercraft is committed to using renewable energy in their manufacturing), the transport, and the recharging of the ECO (assuming the roughly 70% fossil fuel mix of the US electrical grid) will produce emissions.
Even so, just as I moved (years ago) from a gasoline mower to a combo of electric mower & push mower (while, as well, increasing fruit / vegetable garden size, reducing the lawn requiring cutting), the move from a 2-stroke to electric Jet Ski offers real improvement in the situation.
Noise – Gasoline engines in personal watercraft produce piercing noises that can be heard for 10’s of miles. This noise disturbance was estimated to cost the public 1.25 billion dollars in 2005 and had negatively impacted property value in the amount of 315 million. Imagine riding an ECO 50mph in complete silence. The tranquility of riding the ECO will attract even the atypical rider.
Complete silence? Well, there is the wave action, but I’m fully with them on that.
Riding in banned Areas – Although congress recently forced Personal Watercraft companies to change their engines to 4 stroke there is still a ban on jet skis in the majority of lakes. The ECO will be permitted on many lakes that restrict gasoline vehicles.
Okay, this is a marketing angle … not necessarily an advantage that I leap to celebrate.
Convenience – when done riding your personal watercraft whether in the ocean or at your lakefront home you must drive to the gas station, load many large canisters full of gasoline and then dispense them into your watercraft. The ECO will simply pull up at the dock and charge. Whether you are at your Lake House, beach, or yacht it will be extremely convenient.
Maintenance – Gasoline watercraft must have frequent oil changes and lubrication. Filters must be changed, parts replaced frequently. This is time consuming, expensive and just unnecessary. The ECO will not require any maintenance and will maintain a higher resale value.
These combine to point to systems-of-systems benefits that move beyond, but also incorporate, environmental impact. Less maintenance, hassle, cleaning, etc for the owner translates into less pollution (don’t need to drive and get gasoline, no oil thrown into a waterway, etc …)
Technology – the latest technology will be employed on our watercraft. Gasoline engines are extremely inefficient, electric propulsion continues to make strides yearly. The ECO will embrace new technologies as they become available and incorporate them into our watercraft.
Yeah, not just Energy COOL, but Tech COOL.
Performance – Gasoline engines are very inefficient, they have very low torque at low RPM’s and they only have peak torque in an extremely narrow range. The all electric ECO will have 100% torque anytime it is needed. The ECO can accelerate fast and very efficiently. It is a unique ride that must simply be experienced to believe.
And, EcoWatercraft is promising a full ‘eco’ vision within their mission from the already mentioned clean energy for their manufacturing to plans to “host workshops and educational presentations to highlight the need for a sustainable “green” world and economy.” It seems clear that the EcoWatercraft team intends to make some green by Going Green … the type of business model that might help turn the tide on Global Warming’s rising seas.
Hat tip to Good Clean Tech.