A battery-powered ferry is shuttling passengers between Argentina and Uruguay.
Here's what to know
According to CleanTechnica, powered by a 250-ton battery, the China Zorrilla can transport 2,100 passengers and 225 cars without producing diesel exhaust onboard.
Ferry operator Buquebus is using the vessel to connect Buenos Aires, Argentina, with Colonia, Uruguay, across the Rio de la Plata estuary. Crossing takes about an hour and gives travelers an alternative to driving between the two cities.
Built by Tasmania-based shipbuilder Incat, the aluminum catamaran measures about 426 feet long. CleanTechnica described it as the world's largest electric ferry. Hundreds of workers at Incat's Hobart shipyard helped bring the vessel into service, according to CEO Robert Clifford.
The ferry's 41.2-megawatt-hour battery pack, supplied by Corvus Energy, powers eight electric motors connected to eight water jets. Each motor delivers 2,400 kilowatts, allowing the vessel to reach 25 knots, or roughly 29 mph. Two 8-megawatt chargers can replenish its battery.
Passengers get a quieter crossing without the rumble, shaking, and fumes of diesel engines.
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Buquebus charges $43 for round-trip excursions to Colonia, though travelers should check fares before booking to confirm the current cost.
While it might seem like this boat is connected to China, it's actually named after Concepción "China" Zorrilla, a Uruguayan actress and director beloved in both countries.
More background
The ferry wasn't originally designed to run electrically. Incat received the order in summer 2023 for a vessel powered by liquefied natural gas before the propulsion plan changed to batteries.
"The water jet propulsion configuration with eight electric motors is the most efficient available on the market today for this speed range and type of application, while also offering all the benefits of Wärtsilä's axial-flow water jet technology — lightweight, shallow draft, excellent maneuverability, and low maintenance," said Wärtsilä's marine power president Roger Holm, as CleanTechnica relayed.
On dry land, making your next car an EV can likewise save you money on fuel and reduced routine maintenance. Savings depend on the vehicle and charging arrangements.
Charging an EV at home often costs half as much as using public chargers, but basic Level 1 charging tends to be slow. Qmerit provides free, instant installation estimates for faster Level 2 home charger installations.
For Clifford, the ferry's launch marks the culmination of a challenging shipbuilding effort.
"This is a truly historic day for Incat, for Tasmania, and for the global maritime industry. Over the years, hundreds of talented people at our shipyard in Hobart have worked tirelessly to make this extraordinary vessel a reality," he reflected.
"We have overcome immense technical challenges, pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible, and created something the world has never seen before."
Where can I learn more?
Electric buses and trucks are putting large batteries and powerful chargers to work on the road, too.
• New York is adding 40 electric school buses after overhead charging cut costs by 20%.
• In Australia, battery-swap truck retrofits aim to reduce freight costs, emissions, and charging downtime.
• BYD's electric truck offers an 80% charge in 20 minutes and lower fuel costs in Europe.
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