Torqeedo, the global market leader for electric mobility on water, eagerly anticipated the 2024 Olympics. An exciting highlight was the opening ceremony on July 26, featuring a grand parade of ninety boats on the river Seine. At least four of these were powered by Torqeedo’s electric motors and batteries.
The vessels, which were equipped by Torqeedo’s in-house Customized Solutions division, show the future of sustainable transport on the water. The Customized Solutions Business Unit specialises in integrating high-voltage powertrains into vessels for commercial use.
In light of the 2024 Olympics, Paris celebrated its goal to improve local emissions during the opening ceremony by placing the longest and heaviest electric boat ever on the Seine, “Mistinguett”, at the heart of the ship parade. Powered by two Torqeedo Deep Blue 100i electric motors and six units of the new Deep Blue Battery 80, “Mistinguett” transported athletes during the opening ceremony.
“The City of Paris has set itself the goal of halving the environmental footprint of previous Olympic Games at this year’s Games,” said Matthias Vogel, Senior Vice President of the Customized Solutions Business Unit at Torqeedo. “We are proud to support the city with our latest Customized Solutions Business Unit project, while setting new standards in sustainability for the 2024 Olympic Games.
“The conversion of the Mistinguett to an all-electric propulsion system demonstrates how traditional vessels can be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to glide quietly and emission-free across the water in the future. As the world leader in electric mobility on the water, we have been developing customised electric propulsion solutions for over 19 years to create the best boating experience for our customers.”
The deployment of electric boats on the Seine is a testament to Paris’ commitment to reducing emissions and pollution in its waterways and urban areas. Torqeedo’s advanced electric propulsion systems provide a zero-emission alternative to conventional engines, ensuring cleaner air, fewer noise emissions, and a healthier environment for residents and visitors.
Large battery capacity for long cruises
“Mistinguett” started out being powered by a diesel engine for its propulsion system, and a power generator for the kitchen, lights, and air cooling. It has been retrofitted with two Deep Blue 100i motors and six Deep Blue Battery 80 systems this year to set a new standard for eco-friendly transport on the Seine, with zero carbon, in accordance with French policy on sustainable events and tourism.
The vessel can hold up to 248 passengers and will ferry tourists up and down the Seine in two tours every day, each of them lasting two and a half hours. To allow for this range, each Deep Blue 100i motor with 100kW of input power is fed electricity by two Deep Blue Battery 80s.
The “Mistinguett” also serves as a showboat for dinner cruises and artistic shows while cruising the Seine. Throughout the year, “Mistinguett” hosts professional events for incentive meetings, teambuilding, and celebrations, as well as private events like weddings and birthdays.
Two more Deep Blue Battery 80s power the hotel load of lighting, food refrigeration, and other amenities. With this integrated drive system, the team from Torqeedo’s Customized Solutions business unit has successfully fulfilled all the requirements for approval on the Seine with an electric drive. As the first fully electric ferry of its size on the Seine, this initiative highlights the importance of sustainability in transportation and flies the flag for more alternative propulsion systems on water.
France supports conversion to electric ship propulsion
Inland navigation plays a vital role in France, with 800km of rivers and 600km of canals. The French government supports retrofitting boats with electric propulsion through the state-owned waterway navigation authority Voies Navigables de France (VNF). With an offer to subsidise up to 90% of retrofit costs, France is setting a great example in making the transition to electric powertrains feasible for many vessels. This effort underscores a national commitment to reducing carbon footprints and preserving the country’s natural waterways.
Torqeedo’s participation in the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony with at least four electric-powered boats, including the “Mistinguett”, marks a significant milestone in promoting electric transport solutions on water on a global stage. The grand parade, featuring 90 boats in total, was accompanied by dance shows and vibrant celebrations along the riverbank.
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