Toolkit for the Electrification and Decarbonization of Maine’s Commercial Boats 

Phoebe Walsh visits Hylan & Brown boat builders in Brooklin, recipients of a grant for an ePropulsion electric outboard motor.

We’re excited to share our toolkit, designed to guide marine businesses and municipalities through the transition to electric propulsion. Backed by Island Institute’s deep expertise and leadership, this resource is built to help you make the switch to climate-friendly electric propulsion.

Below, you’ll find everything you need: 

  • Financial resources and funding opportunities 
  • Webinars and literature to keep you informed 
  • A robust FAQ section 
  • Success stories and more 

And because the industry is evolving fast, we’re committed to keeping this toolkit up-to-date with the latest innovations and insights. 

Ready to embrace the future of marine electrification on Maine’s coast? We’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact Phoebe Walsh at pwalsh@islandinstitute.org or (207) 535-9249 for assistance. 

 

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Financial Resources  |  Reports, Articles, and Written Resources  |  Electric Boat Course  |  Forums and Communities  |  Webinars  |  Electric Boats in the News  |  FAQs  |  Glossary  |  Island Institute Partners

 

Financial Resources

While the purchase of an electric outboard motor is often more expensive than a traditional internal combustion engine, it has the potential to offer long-term savings. These grants and fixed loan options can reduce the cost to you. As more funding options become available, they will be posted. 

Spark! Grants

Island Institute’s Spark! Grants fund working waterfront energy projects that improve energy efficiency, switch to renewable energy, and/or reduce consumption of fossil fuels. We are currently prioritizing applications to fund working waterfront projects for shoreside charging infrastructure, shoreside renewable energy generation, marine electrification, energy efficiency, and weatherization, but other projects may be considered on a case-by case basis.  

marine green loans

Coastal Enterprises offers fixed 5% loans of $25,000 to $250,000 for electric marine engines, batteries, shoreside charging and electrical connections, and more. The loans are only for active Maine Commercial Fishermen and Aquaculturists.

grant writers

The following grant writers may assist your business as more grants become available for electric marine propulsion.  

Lucy Van Hook has over fifteen years of experience writing successful grant applications to private foundations, state programs and multiple federal agencies. She is a passionate storyteller cultivating six-figure and seven-figure investments for a variety of initiatives centered around equitable rural prosperity. Contact Lucy Van Hook at Lucy.vanhook@gmail.com or (207) 370-9456. View Lucy Van Hook’s resume here. 

Shred Electric’s Grant Writing as a Service™ (GWaaS™) offers expert grant proposal support, focusing on marine industries, aquaculture, and clean technologies. Their team of seasoned professionals brings a wide range of expertise, including sustainability, innovation, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Contact Shred Electric at grants@shredelectric.com.

 

Reports, Articles, and Written Resources

The following are in-depth reports, articles, and handbooks that help justify our work on marine decarbonization and may aid you in the adoption of electric propulsion.  

Reports 

    • Shoreside Charging Infrastructure Report (coming soon) 
    • ArcGIS Resources (coming soon)
      • Island Institute aims to use this analysis as a roadmap for expansion of charging infrastructure that will encourage the adoption of marine-based electric propulsion and contribute to the electrification of Maine’s working waterfront. The Institute recognizes that access to Level 2 and 3 Charging is a significant barrier for both electric vehicle (EV) transitions and electric boats early adopters. This project looks to better understand what those barriers are and outline the opportunities that will encourage the transition away from fossil fuels. 

Green house gas reports

In 2022 Island Institute commissioned a study, in partnership with Luke’s Lobster, to understand the carbon emissions within a discrete lobster supply chain to identify specific opportunities to make progress toward eventual carbon neutrality for the company. Since then, Island Institute commissioned additional greenhouse gas studies. They cover illustrative examples of mussel, kelp, and oyster seafood supply chains. 

      • Oysters Farming (coming soon)
      • Mussel Farming (coming soon)

Articles  

Websites and handbooks  

      • Plugboats: a very comprehensive site with buying guides, news, a sign up for an e-boat newsletter, and an option to purchase The Electric Boats Book, a simple but thorough introduction to electric boats. 

Electric boats in maine

Click here to explore electric boats supported by Island Institute and learn about different use cases. 

 

Electric Boat Course 

Island Institute is pleased to offer the Electric Boat Course—a collaboration between Island Institute, Kennebec Valley Community College, Mid-Coast School of Technology, Maine Electric Boat Company, and Bayside Marine. 

Level 1 – Electric Boat Motor: Foundations available on our website. This online course takes approximately 90 minutes and must be completed in a single sitting.  

Level 2 – Electric Boat Motor Technician Course: in-person 

Past courses:  

July 24th and 25th, 2024 in Rockland
August 7th and 8th, 2024 in Farmington 

Upcoming course:  

Winter, 2024, Machias 
Check the Kennebec Valley Community College page for E-boat course enrollment availability.

 

Forums and Communities

Connecting virtually with other electric boat enthusiasts is a great way to share knowledge, troubleshoot, advertise events, and more. 

Electric Marine Propulsion Google Group   

An Island Institute organized Google Group aimed at building a digital community around electric marine propulsion, and the exploration of its growth in Maine, and beyond. 

Electricboats from Group.io

An online group with over 3,000 members used for discussing boats powered by electric motors, alone or in conjunction with other methods of propulsion (i.e. sail or hybrid). 

 

Past Webinars and Recordings

Explore rerecorded webinars and convenings to aid in your in-depth knowledge.

 

Electric Boats in the News

Island Institute Stories 

MORE stories 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my ICE with an electric motor?  

In many cases, yes. You want to consult with a motor manufacturer that does retrofits to ensure that the motor size you desire and the range you require are compatible with the current technology and size and weight of the batteries. Batteries can be placed in the hull, often where the gas tanks were. For small outboards, the batteries are often integrated right into the outboard motor components, and retrofits are extremely straightforward. 

 

Am I going to run out of power? 

The manufacturer will work to set you up with the appropriate battery capacity for your daily needs. The goal is that you will have zero disruption in how you operate your commercial boat. As you adjust to the new technology you will likely need to pay extra attention to your remaining battery/energy levels. Electric motors have a digital readout of exactly how much power you have left, and some models will even go into energy saving mode by limiting your speed, to ensure you can return to land.  On the flip side, fuel gages are not always accurate, and the result of running out of fuel is the same either way: you’ll need a tow. It’s certainly a shift, but once you get comfortable with your range and equipment, it’ll be smooth sailing.  

 

You still need to burn fossil fuels to make electricity, so what really are the emissions savings? 

The reason electric motors (EM)s have lower net emissions than ICE engines is because they are much more efficient. Even allowing for conservative estimates of losses through electric motors, controllers, cabling and lithium-ion batteries, they are estimated to be 60% efficient as compared to a peak efficiency of 40% with fossil fueled engines, and an average operating efficiency that is typically below 20%. Maine produces the majority of its electricity from renewable sources1, so the carbon savings are even greater. Transferring electrical energy to mechanical energy is a lot more efficient than with internal combustion engines, where a vast majority of the energy is lost as heat energy.  

In addition to reducing overall Co2 emissions, electric powered boats also greatly reduce non-CO2 pollution. ICE outboards do not have catalytic converters, which are used in cars to reduce harmful gases. Based on allowable limits, an ICE outboard can emit 132 times more carbon monoxide than a car, and 165 times more oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons as a car2. The creation of electricity from fossil fuel sources will also result in non-CO2 emissions, but, once again, due to the efficiency of electric motors, the emissions are significantly lower.  

 

What are the benefits beyond climate?  

Low maintenance 

While an internal combustion engine relies on perfectly synchronized tiny explosions and thousands of moving parts, an electric motor has simpler machinery and fewer parts to break or wear down. While it requires some maintenance, for many that means rinsing it down with fresh water every so often. That’s also the extent for winterizing in many cases. No expensive fuel stabilizers, special oils or replacing filters. They typically contain oil for smooth operating, but they do not require regular oil changes. However, there are temperature constraints which apply to lithium-ion batteries, notably low temperature constraints when used in the wintertime. These need to be addressed in the design phase for any installation if the boat will be used in the wintertime.  

Quiet 

If you’ve ever heard an electric boat, you may remember that quiet whirling sound. The motors are not silent, since movement is still taking place, but they are significantly quieter without the explosive noise of an internal combustion engine. In fact, much of the noise now heard comes from the propellers. Not only does this make for a more pleasant workday, but it can aid in safety. Whether you’re in charge of children zipping by in sailboats, you’re hauling heavy traps, or someone in the bow spots a log in the water, being able to hear over the sound of the motor is critical. Furthermore, a lifetime of fishing has lead many to experience diesel deafness, an untreatable but avoidable condition.  

Local pollution 

Beyond carbon dioxide reductions, electric motors help eliminate localized pollution, which can be good for the planet and your health. In addition to carbon dioxide, exhaust from ICE outboards contain chemicals that are bad for your health. These chemicals are carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, hydrocarbons, and particulates. Outboard motors do not have catalytic converters, which reduce those chemical pollutants in cars.  

Furthermore, with electric motors there is no risk of accidental oil or gas spills. Even small spills from filling up the gas tank or topping off the oil can add up.  

Ultimately cheaper 

Electric motors may be cheaper in the long run. The upfront cost is higher with electric, but there is a breakeven point when the higher fuel and maintenance costs of an ICE add up. The breakeven point depends on the size of the motor, how often it’s used, and the size, cost, and life expectancy of the battery pack, but it can be calculated using the average cost of charging and the average saved fuel expenses. Furthermore, batteries only continue to drop in price, while fuel prices continue to rise. Many business owners appreciate the predictable costs associated with an electric motor. 

 

What’s the life expectancy of the battery?  

The National Renewable Energy Lab suggests that modern electric car batteries, which are similar to electric boat batteries, should last 12-15 years in moderate climates. One electric boat manufacturer claims their batteries are good for 1,500 recharges before they start to show any decline in performance. It is best to speak with the motor manufacturers about their most recent battery life expectancy data. Battery life expectancy and cycle life data are constantly improving. Some batteries are now rated at up to 8,000 cycles to 80% depth of discharge. 

 

 Is it safe to have so much electricity on a boat? 

While lithium-ion batteries on boats are a relatively new thing, electricity on a boat is not. Most boats have a hotel load used to run a ship’s instruments, cabin and anchor lights, water pump, bilge pump, and more. They often use both DC and AC power with an inverter. On an electric boat, all electronics, the outboard, and the battery pack may be waterproof to IP67 standards, and always use a battery management system (BMS). The systems will depower if an issue is detected. Motor manufacturers take numerous measures to protect the batteries and electrical systems. There are several variants of lithium-ion battery chemistries, and typically those used in marine applications are less volatile than those used in the automotive industry. A properly designed and well installed lithium-ion battery and electric propulsion installation is at least as safe as one with conventional lead-acid batteries. 

 

Isn’t the mining of lithium bad for the environment too?  

There is an environmental and social impact to mining the materials needed for electric motors and batteries. Although lithium is often scrutinized for its impacts, a bigger ethical challenge than lithium mining is the mining of cobalt. Most of the lithium-ion batteries used in marine applications are based on a chemistry which uses no cobalt. Some battery companies are more responsible than others, and motor manufacturers work to source the most cost effective and environmentally responsible batteries. The mining of battery materials occurs once, while the mining for crude oil continues for the lifetime of the motor. Furthermore, battery recycling is beginning to take place as demand for expensive inputs rises. 

 

How do you charge an electric boat? 

Diagram about electric vehicle charging from the automotive industry. Visual sourced from primecom.tech.

Almost all batteries for electric boats can be charged through a standard household circuit (Level 1), and almost as many have faster charging capabilities (Level 2). A level 2 charger has a similar power demand to a clothes dryer or electric cooktop. In both cases the chargers use the AC electricity coming from the general grid and the technical aspects fall in line with charging for electric vehicles. Standard existing electrical pedestals at marinas can be used to charge electric boat motors overnight. 30A outlets are suitable for a Level 1 charger, and 50A outlets for a Level 2 charger. Certain models are compatible with level 3 DC power, which charges much faster than level 1 or level 2. There are currently no marine grade level 3 pedestals in Maine, but they do exist in the United States. Level 3 charging is also what’s required for charging electric ferries. When you buy your boat and/or motor, the manufacturer will offer or suggest a charging unit, but generally these are compatible across motors. 

 

Why are electric boats so expensive? 

The primary reason electric powered boats are more expensive than a traditional fossil fuel engine is because of the batteries. The upfront cost of an electric motor is expensive because a lithium-ion battery costs a lot more to produce than a gas tank. One thing to consider when purchasing an electric motor is that by buying a battery, you are in essence purchasing your fuel up front, versus filling your gas tank each time you draw it down. While an electric motor may be cheaper over its lifetime, it requires upfront capital to make the initial purchase. However, as technology becomes more widely available and the price of batteries comes down, the feasibility of switching will increase. 
 

How can I afford an electric boat?  

There are a limited number of grants and loans available for electric conversions. Island Institute is working to develop other avenues for financial assistance. Please see the section titled Financial Resources for more information.
 

How much does it cost to charge an electric boat versus fueling a boat? 

This answer depends on several factors: the cost of electricity versus fuel in your area, the size of the battery, and the time of day you’re charging. You can estimate the cost of fully charging your battery by multiplying the kWh of the battery by the average electric cost per kWh in your area. A 40hp equivalent motor with a 24kWh battery might cost around $5.50 to charge based on the average residential electric costs in Maine. Most boat battery packages have enough energy for the boat to go full throttle for one hour, and a rule of thumb for ICE engines is that they burn a tenth of their horsepower in gallons for every hour of going full throttle. So, a 40hp ICE outboard might burn about four gallons of fuel per hour. The average cost of gasoline in Maine in 2023 was $3.52. Therefore, it would cost you about $14 to go full throttle for one hour, compared to the $5.50 it would cost in electricity to go full throttle for an hour with an electric boat. Even better, we’ve helped several businesses install solar panels and battery storage charging stations, which means charging is free after the initial cost of the set-up.  

 

What’s the best motor for me? 

Determining the best motor and battery package is the key to success with electric boats. There are several electric engine manufacturers, including start-ups (like Flux Marine and Photon), well known ICE brands (like Mercury), and established electric boat brands (like ePropulsion). At Island Institute, we are constantly vetting manufacturers, and keeping our eye out for emerging businesses, or those who do not yet sell to the US market. You can reach out directly to motor manufacturers or local dealers to discuss your boat, how you use it, your range requirements, and your charging access. They will make specific model and battery pack recommendations.  

 

Who in Maine can work on installing and maintaining electric motors? 

While maintenance on electric outboards is minimal, you may inevitably need them to be serviced. Due to the dangers of working on high voltage systems, please check with your local boatyard before assuming they can service electric outboards. Listed below are two businesses that specialize in electric outboards and may be useful. Please contact us if you would like to be added to this list.

Shred Electric
343 Penney Rd., New Gloucester, ME
123 Even Keel Rd., Yarmouth, ME
(207) 613-5708
www.shredelectric.com

Maine Electric Boat
109 Cleaves St, Biddeford, ME
(207) 292-8678
www.maineelectricboat.com
 

Glossary and List of Acronyms

AC: Alternating Current   

Battery Management Systems: Electronic monitoring and regulation of various aspects of a battery, including temperature, state of charge, and remaining operating time.   

CO2: Carbon Dioxide   

DC: Direct Current   

EM: Electric Motor   

GHG: Green House Gas  

Hotel load: The electrical load caused by all systems on a vehicle, other than propulsion.   

hp: Horsepower   

ICE: Internal Combustion Engine   

IP67: An international standard that indicates a product is completely protected from solids and liquids, representing one of the highest levels of protection.   

kW: Kilowatt   

kWh: Kilowatt-hour  

Level 1 Charging: Method of charging that uses 120-volt AC electricity   

Level 2 Charging: Method of charging that uses 240-volt AC electricity   

Level 3 Charging: Method of charging that uses 400-800 volts of DC electricity   

 

Island Institute’s Partners 

Maine Marine Trades Association  

Flux Marine 

North Atlantic Inflatables 

Efficiency Maine 

ePropulsion 

Pendleton Yacht Yard 

Hylan & Brown Boatbuilders 

Photon Marine 

The Boat Yard & Shred Electric