The idea behind the Brandenburg boatyard SolarYacht is a simple one: if you want to encourage customers to buy more electric boats, you first have to create the appropriate charging infrastructure. Even if there may still be a lack of customers at first. However, the prototype is not yet used for refuelling electric boats anyway, as the charging capacity is not yet designed for this. For the time being, conventional motorboats in particular can dock here and top up their on-board power with pure solar energy. During the charging process, the crew can make themselves comfortable on board the platform. Up to four small boats can moor around the mini marina. Eight charging points with 3kW each are available. Only the berth is paid for, the electricity is to be free of charge.
Electric filling station on the water still a dream of the future
In future, charging points with 11 kW will be installed so that electric yachts can also charge their large batteries there. This is because the Managing Director of SolarYacht, Arkadiusz Radziejewski, has his sights set on the mobility revolution on the water. His ambitious goal: by 2030, he and his shipyard want to deliver over 80 per cent of their boats completely electrically. The charging station on Lake Plau is just the first of many that SolarYacht wants to introduce throughout Germany. Three more stations are to be built by the end of the year. Two of them are to be stationed on the Havel and one on the Main in Offenbach near Frankfurt. The region around Berlin and Brandenburg in particular is set to be a pioneer when it comes to electromobility on the water. According to Radziejewski, if you want to encourage water sports enthusiasts to switch to electric propulsion, you first have to create the conditions for it.
Funding only for floating constructions
Radziejewski and co-founder Max Riedel had to come up with something to finance their project. This is because the Federal Ministry of Transport's funding programme to reduce ship emissions in seaports and inland ports, "Bordstrom Tech 2", does not subsidise permanently installed charging stations. So the charging stations were quickly constructed as floating "harbour islands". With success: 200,000 of the 300,000 euros that a solar charging station from Brandenburg costs come from the subsidy pot. Up to 80 per cent of the costs can be refinanced through the funding programme.
"Charging lounges" invite you to linger
The fact that the manufacturers of the "Charging Lounges" are not just interested in electricity is demonstrated by the interior design and furnishings, which are not at all reminiscent of a mere petrol station. The modern, fully glazed "lounges" with 360° panoramic views were modelled on Porsche's charging lounges. In addition to modern washrooms and a "wide selection of soft drinks and snacks", the operator also advertises "high-speed internet via Starlink WiFi" and "entertainment options with YouTube content" on board. The next solar charging station will even offer overnight accommodation for owners of small boats without a cabin. To gain access to the lounge area, you have to book online in advance. Billing is done via app.
Max Riedel, co-founder of SolarYacht, is excited to see how their offering is received on the water: "We are looking forward to hearing the first feedback from the boating community about their experiences with this new mooring and charging solution." The boatyard plans to present its solar charging systems for the first time at the Boot & Fun Inwater water sports trade fair from 30 August to 1 September 2024 in Werder an der Havel.
