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Glossary
Electric boats, Plug&Play kits, outboard motors, eco-tourism…
Discover all there is to know about sustainable mobility in our glossary.
Circular Economy
It is a sustainable business model, designed to regenerate itself through the conscious reuse of materials and products, so as to avoid waste and wastage. It involves repairing, recycling and reconditioning products to increase their lifespan.
CONVERSION TO ELECTRIC
From petrol engine to electric motor.
This is the possibility of converting a petrol-powered vehicle into an electric one, without re-approving the vehicle.
ELECTRICAL RETROFIT
From an old electric motor to a new electric motor (of a different make and/or power rating).
The term 'retrofit' is used when the conversion requires a simple update of the vehicle registration document. Electric retrofit kits are available, also for boats.
PEDAL BOATS
Invented in 1913 by the futurist and inventor Angelo Terzi, who named it the Terziscafo, today the pedal boat is the most common human-powered boat. The propulsion system consists of a paddle wheel activated by a pair of pedals. It can be found on beaches all over the world, and today it is undergoing a revolution: the electric pedal boat is born.
ELECTRIC OUTBOARD
Electric propulsion unit for boats, designed to replace the petrol outboard engine. Compared to its ancestor, an electric outboard is distinguished by its negligible maintenance cost, quiet running, light weight and almost zero recharging cost.
POLYETHYLENE
Polyethylene, often referred to as PE, is a plastic material obtained from petroleum. It is characterised by its strength, lightness and versatility. Its use for the creation of polyethylene hulls has two advantages: excellent stability and the possibility of recycling at the end of its life so that a new product can be obtained from a hull at the end of its life, for example street furniture.
ELECTRIC BOAT
The first electric boat was developed by German inventor Moritz von Jacobi in 1839 in St Petersburg, Russia. It was a 7.3 m boat that carried 14 passengers at 3 mph (4.8 km/hr). It was successfully shown to Emperor Nicholas I of Russia on the Neva River. The electric boat is an electrically powered boat that replaces the old petrol-powered models. Electric boats are a trend because they are more efficient and environmentally friendly. Models vary according to production companies, types of propulsion, batteries and design.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
A new concept of tourism that aims to meet the needs of tourists but also those of the host regions. It is a new revolution that aims to respect local culture, allowing easier integration and a more sustainable model, including from an environmental point of view.
ELECTRIC BONUS
The Electric Bonus is a state subsidy consisting of a variable contribution towards the purchasing cost of an electric vehicle. It is an initiative aimed at speeding up the process of switching to electric vehicles, encouraging a new, more efficient and sustainable way of travelling.
GOGO BOAT
Gogo Boat is the 100% Italian electric boat by GardaSolar. Silent, sustainable, recyclable, with an attractive look, the Gogo Boats (Gogo 4 and Gogo 6) are good for tourist use thanks to the rapid return on investment. They are steered with a joystick, making navigation intuitive for any age.
Microwatt
Electric boat with a traditional design, result of the partnership between GardaSolar and EcoNavighiamo. Silent, elegant, with attention for detail, ideal as a high performance solution for rental and tourist use. Our Microwatt is available with an electric pod or outboard motor.
MULTIHULL
A multihull is a type of boat with several hulls. This type of boat is known for its greater stability and the reduced impact with the waves: two fundamental features for creating more efficient and environmentally friendly boats. The multihull was chosen for the Gogo Boats, GardaSolar's 100% Made in Italy electric boats.
POWERTRAIN
The powertrain is the set of components (motor, batteries and electrical system) that are essential to move the vehicle on the road or on the water surface, if it is a boat.
Plug & Play
The Plug & Play, concept refers to technologies that can be connected to hardware without specific configuration procedures. The concept also applies to GardaSolar's Inox Pod Kits: quick installation kits for electrical boat retrofits.
BRUSHLESS MOTOR
The brushless electric motor guarantees higher efficiency and it is maintenance-free.
Boat’s Electric Battery
The battery is the piece of technology that allows the electric boat to turn on and move. Performance, charging speed and duration vary depending on the model. A range of models is currently available: lead and lithium batteries in the GEL, LIQUID and AGM versions.
E-Bike
E-bikes are pedal assisted bicycles. They are equipped with an electric motor located on either the bottom bracket, the back or the front wheel. The aim of these bikes is to reduce the effort made by the cyclist. It’s the athlete who decides the level of assistance required for the ride. For these reasons, e-bikes are the most popular and most sold type of electric bicycles.
Electric Bicycle
The electric bicycle, also known as Speed Pedelec, is different from the e-bike because, unlike the latter, it does not require the cyclist to pedal: the bike moves up to 45km/h thanks to its motor. A great and sustainable solution which, by law, is classified as a motorcycle and unlike an e-bike, requires the use of a helmet, lights and mirrors.
Solar Electric Boat
Our solar electric boat is a type of electric boat with an auxiliary charging system consisting of a small photovoltaic system. This is a practical solution that increases the efficiency of the battery. GardaSolar’s Gogo Boats (Gogo 4 and Gogo 6) list a photovoltaic roof amongst their optionals
Electric Pedal Boat
An innovative version of the traditional model, our electric pedal boat makes the navigation even more pleasant thanks to its electric motor. GardaSolar also produces the Gogo 5, with a pedal boat design and the engine and the usability of an electric boat.
Pedal Assisted Pedal Boat
Similarly to the e-bikes, the pedal assisted pedal boat uses an engine to assist the pedalling, reducing human effort. A convenient and practical idea that will transform boat rental activities, given the quick return on the investment it guarantees.
Electric Propulsion
Electric propulsion replaces the traditional petrol engine in the latest generation of sustainable vehicles. The energy needed to move the boat is stored in a battery. Electric propulsion sets new standards of efficiency and sustainability, with no energy wastage or environmentally harmful emissions.
Wooden Electric Boat
An electric boat with a more traditional design. 1600 Dogado E by GardaSolar is the electric boat that combines elegance and sustainability.
GRP Electric Boat
GRP is one of the most common materials currently employed for the realisation of boats. GRP electric boats combine the durability of the material to the sustainability guaranteed by a 100% electric motor.
100% Recyclable Electric Boat
A 100% recyclable electric boat is the construction benchmark that allows the item to be recycled at the end of its life, according to the principle of the Circular Economy. It is the result of a well considered choice at the design and planning stages, and an important criterion in the choice of more responsible boating. The entire line of GOGO boats and pedal boats is made of 100% recyclable material, which also guarantees low maintenance compared to GRP.
Electric Boat in Plastic
Inexpensive solution requiring extremely low maintenance and ideal for tourism-intensive activities. Plastic is one of the more versatile materials used in navigation. A conscious use and end-of-life disposal can make this material sustainable as well.
Electric Pontoon
The pontoon boat is a squat, flat-shaped float used for transporting goods, people or for fishing. The sustainable revolution of recent years has also led to the development of electric pontoon boats.
Power of the Electric Motor
In an electric motor, the input power is electrical and the output is mechanical. The rated power of an electric motor is usually expressed in kilowatts (kW). In electric boats, the power output of a motor can range from 1 kW up to 100 kW for the most planing and high-performance models.
Battery Capacity
The capacity of a battery is defined as the amount of current it can deliver for 20 hours, continuously, before discharging. The battery capacity in an electric boat ranges from 5 to 40 kWh.
Autonomy of an Electric Boat
The autonomy of an electric boat is the time it can be used before needing to be recharged. It depends on the type of battery and the average cruising speed. Currently, an electric boat has an average autonomy of 8-12 hours.
System Voltage of an Electric Boat
Voltage is an electrical quantity and is measured in volts. On small boats, it is normally generated by batteries and it enables the operation of electrical devices. Electric voltages up to 50 volts are not dangerous, which is why electric boats are normally 12V, 24V and 48V.
System current of an Electric Boat
If electric voltage is applied to a load or electrical device, a current that allows the device to function is generated. For example, in the case of a light bulb, voltage is applied to the filament and the current heats it up to emit light.
Unsealed lead-acid batteries with liquid
Lead-acid batteries, where the electrolyte is contained in liquid sulphuric acid. The advantage of this type of battery for electric boats is its low cost, but it requires maintenance.
Gel-type sealed lead-acid batteries
Sealed lead-acid batteries with gelatinous electrolyte. Among the most expensive boat batteries. Maintenance-free. The best lead-acid battery for traction purposes with many cycles and intense discharge.
AGM Type Sealed lead-acid Battery
Lead-acid battery where the electrolyte is contained within glass fibre sponges in contact with the electrodes. The advantages are robustness and higher performance for intense discharge due to lower internal resistance compared to GEL-type batteries.
Lithium boat battery
The most advanced battery and also the most expensive. Among their advantages, they offer longer charge and discharge cycles, faster charging speed, voltage stability and energy density. Ideal for use where weight and volume are important.
Photovoltaic panel for Electric boats
As a solar kit for boats, the photovoltaic panel, often placed on the roof of the boat allows the battery to increase its performance, positively influencing its durability. It is among the optional extras on GardaSolar's Gogo Boat models.
230 V battery charger
The 230 V battery charger is the device that enables you to charge your electric boat correctly. Every GardaSolar boat has its own internal battery charger with a differential protection device. Charging points are now available in the most important port areas in Italy.
Solar battery charger
The solar battery charger recharges the batteries of the electric boat and uses the energy coming directly from the solar panels to speed up the charging process of the boat. It is an optional extra available for purchase for your GardaSolar electric boat.