Lite-On Clean Energy, Taiwan, has built a power system for the Love River Sightseeing Solar Electric Boats, the first environmental-friendly high-powered commercial sightseeing solar-electric boat launched in Asia, which will be operated by the government of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
The first boat was unveiled on February 9 and official operations are set to commence during the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year holiday.
An additional four boats of the same type are scheduled to join the fleet later for Love River sightseeing services.
The operations of these clean energy electric boats are expected to contribute to the opportunities for growth of Kaohsiung's sightseeing business.
Unlike older electric vehicle power systems used in boats, which are generally low-power, Lite-On Clean Energy's system represents a breakthrough, as the first high-power commercial sightseeing solar-electric boat in Asia, incorporating solar panels, lithium-ion battery packs, dual 25kW motors, battery management systems, charger, DC/DC converter, computerised central control panel and LED Lighting.
David Lin, Lite-On's Group CEO explained that thanks to their pollution free, low noise and high energy efficiency advantages, electric vehicles are generally acknowledged as the most environmentally friendly vehicles.
The brand-new Love River Sightseeing Solar Electric Boat is 13 metres long and will carry 36 passengers. It features a catamaran design, with 54KWH battery pack and dual 20kW motors, producing an output of 40kW, reaching a maximum speed of nine knots. The vessel can cruise for a continuous nine hours at a speed of three knots.
Unlike conventional petrol engine boats, this boat generates no pollution and low noise. Moreover its energy consumption is only one-fourth to one-third what would be required by the same size petrol engine boats and its solar power can contribute an additional 25 percent energy savings on an average sunny day.