Taiga Motors sold to Stewart Wilkinson

🌊 WATERSPORTS

Check out this test drive review of the Arc Sport, by Tara Stone.

Tara mentions the market for electric boats was valued at $5.1B in 2021. And, the market for wakeboarding was $1.64B in 2022. The article covers all the features of the Arc Sport.

Here are few points the author makes:

• The boat is popular due to its eco-friendly features.

• The boat offers cost savings compared to traditional gas-powered boats.

• Other notable features include a touchscreen, HD cameras, and wake-shaping technology. The boat’s clean propulsion system makes it a standout in the luxury boating market.

Interestingly, the article also lists a few early buyers of the Arc Sport - including a former Facebook (now Meta) executive. Leading to the pure, unfounded speculation on our part that Mark Zuckerberg (aka Zuck) may also be an early buyer of the Arc Sport - time will tell. While not an electric boat, here is a YouTube video of Zuck giving a wake surfing lesson on Lake Tahoe:

While we here at the E-Boat Newsletter can wake surf and water ski - we’d always be open to a few pointers from Zuck himself (Who wouldn’t?).

⚓️ PWC

Taiga Motors, known for its pioneering electric snowmobiles and personal watercraft, has been sold to British entrepreneur Stewart Wilkinson. Wilkinson, the founder of Vita Yachts, an electric yacht manufacturer, has steadily expanded his interests in the electric marine sector. This acquisition marks a significant move for both companies, as Taiga has been a leader in developing zero-emission vehicles in Canada, while Wilkinson has established Vita Yachts as a prominent player in Europe's electric boat market.

The purchase comes at a crucial time for Taiga. Wilkinson’s experience in scaling Vita Yachts and his vision for sustainable transportation make him an ideal partner to help Taiga overcome these obstacles. Under Wilkinson's leadership, Taiga is expected to benefit from his expertise in electric propulsion and sustainable energy, potentially leading to cross-industry innovations in both electric boats and off-road vehicles.

Wilkinson’s growing influence in the electric marine industry has been evident through Vita Yachts' continued success. Vita's electric speedboat, the Vita X, has been showcased at high-profile events such as the Monaco Yacht Show, attracting attention for its cutting-edge technology and design. The acquisition of Taiga gives Wilkinson a foothold in North America, opening up opportunities for expanding Vita’s charging infrastructure and electric boat models in new markets.

This move is seen as part of Wilkinson’s broader strategy to integrate various forms of electric mobility, from watercraft to land-based vehicles, enhancing the growth of the electric transportation ecosystem. The sale is also expected to boost Taiga’s ability to meet its production targets and potentially diversify its product range beyond snowmobiles and watercraft, under Wilkinson's entrepreneurial guidance.

This acquisition underlines the growing convergence of electric mobility sectors and the increasing importance of sustainable solutions in transportation. For Wilkinson, it is a step forward in establishing a larger presence in the green technology space, while for Taiga, it could be a much-needed catalyst for growth.

Here is a link to a story on this sale.

🛝 ELECTRIC BOAT AWARDS SEASON

The Gussie Awards, officially known as the Gustave Trouvé Awards for Excellence in Electric Boats, celebrate innovation in the electric boat industry. Nominations for the 2024 Gussies are now open, honouring manufacturers and designers pushing the boundaries of clean, sustainable marine technology. Categories include electric boats for inland waters, ocean waters, and electric workboats. The awards recognize both small and large companies striving to reduce marine emissions and advance electric propulsion.

Nominate an electric boat on the Plug Boats website, here. They have 5 categories of boats (some with sub-categories) for nominations.

⚙️ COMMERCIAL

The electrification of ferry services continues. This time in Canada.

The City of Toronto is recommending a full shift to electric ferries to replace its aging fleet, which currently serves over 1.4 million passengers annually to the Toronto Islands. The proposed fully electric vessels, costing between $23 and $25 million each, are expected to reduce 2,800 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year—equivalent to removing 600 cars from the road. The move aligns with the city's TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, with projected annual fuel savings of $1.1 million once the fleet is fully electrified. The plan will also improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, enhancing the passenger experience.

Read more details here.

📄 POLL

🖌️ SOCIAL MEDIA POST OF THE WEEK

2x Wingfoil Champion (2022) - Paula Novotna navigates a rocky shore on an e-foil (we’d always recommend wearing a life jacket and helmet).

E-foils continue to grow in popularity.

paulanovotna

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