Tesla's sudden rise has accelerated the electrification process in many fields. Although electric vehicles have received the most attention, the number of electric lawn mowers, ships, bicycles, scooters and all terrain vehicles is also surging. In some categories, battery powered machines have gained market share faster than electric vehicles have conquered the automotive world. Some startups attract investors by claiming to be Tesla in boating, cycling or lawn and garden industries.
Electric snowmobiles made by taiga
The snowmobiles made by the Canadian startup taiga are battery powered. This is the first batch of widely sold electric snowmobiles, which indicates how various means of transportation are changing to the driving force of no emission. Taiga also offers battery powered water bikes, another form of entertainment. In some circles, the gasoline version is seen as a scourge.
Taiga also sells electric water bikes
The electrification of lawn and garden forestry is developing faster than the automobile industry. According to Freedonia, a research firm, electric lawn mowers, leaf blowers and other equipment accounted for 17% of the U.S. market in 2020, more than three times the share of electric vehicles in the U.S. auto market.
Electric mower
Just as Tesla overturned the automotive industry, startups are also challenging established companies that have long dominated the market. Flux marine is one of several companies trying to use electricity for ships. With the help of a $15 million venture capital, the company plans to start selling electric outboard engines produced at a factory in Bristol, Rhode Island, this summer.
Ben Sorkin, CEO of flux marine, worked as a summer intern at Tesla. He admitted that battery power is not practical for large offshore fishing vessels. "Considering the current situation, electric propulsion system is a niche market." He said. However, Sorkin also pointed out that with the improvement of batteries, it will become practical for larger and larger engines, and the market will expand. Solkin said that the maximum engine rating of flux marine is 70 horsepower, which will continue to rise in the future.
Electric motorboats need more power
However, powering ships and other means of transport often presents technical challenges. Electric energy is suitable for smaller ships or ships sailing not far away. This is the only option in hundreds of lakes where conventional outboard engines are banned because of noise or pollution. Due to the great resistance of water, large motorboats need continuous power, which can not be provided by batteries at present.