Plug-in electric boat launched in Tauranga

The first Kiwi built plug-in electric boat has been launched on Tauranga Harbour during a public display.

Tesla car batteries drive an electric motor, making the boat quiet, pollution free, and providing buyers with long-term value for money, developer Sean Kelly says.

Kelly says interest in the battery-powered boat has come from Australia as well as around New Zealand.

Posts of the electric boat on social media have brought tens of thousands of views.

It’s taken him more than two years and over $200,000 getting it to the prototype stage under his Electric Boats company, the Bay of Plenty Times reports.

The electronics technician and marine engineer intends targeting aquaculture such as shellfish farm owners.

He plans to make electric boats and convert conventional vessels at Sulphur Point.

An electric boat costs almost twice as much as a conventionally fuelled vessel, but Kelly believes they make long-term economic sense while also being good for the environment.

The batteries drive two three-phase AC brushless motors and last about an hour at 25 knots full speed, longer while cruising, and need replacing about every 11 years.

Computers help run the batteries and motor and all can be monitored from a laptop.

The prototype has a six-metre Herley Boats hull and the boat is expected to last at least 30 years.