Next-gen 150-passenger electric ferry ready for trials in India

While the electric revolution is in full swing for land-based transportation, there's not much to say about electric ships. Earlier this month, the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) shipyard unveiled a new electric ferry that was built for the West Bengal government and should undergo trials before starting its regular trips. 

The ship is called Dheu and has a capacity of 150 passengers. Powered by a 246 Kilowatt per hour (kWh) liquid-cooled energy storage solution is 24 meters long and features twin screw propellers, a catamaran aluminum hull, and can sail at up to 10 knots. In addition to the batteries installed, it can also take advantage of solar energy when available thanks to the solar panels installed on its roof. The list of amenities available on this ship includes air conditioning and the builder promises that it will provide trips free from noise and engine vibration.

The first such ship to be delivered to the West Bengal government, Dheu marks the introductory step in a long effort that aims to replace diesel-powered ferries with green solutions. In the meantime, those looking for green solutions for their small boats can grab pieces of hardware such as the TBVECHI 1200 W 48 V short shaft outboard motor, which currently has a $319.99 price tag on Amazon (a 5% discount coupon can push it closer to the $300 threshold for the time being).