Gardasolar, Eboats&Go and E-ssence let it be known that they have entered into a collaboration aimed at promoting electric boating as a sustainable and accessible experience for all.
Guided by a common vision of a greener, customer-focused future, the CEOs of the three companies-Alberto Pozzo of GardaSolar, Luigi Nani of Eboats&Go, and Leonardo Caiazza of E-ssence-have signed a partnership with the aim of creating an ecosystem of compatible products and services for the world of green tourism that faces the water.
The business around electric boat rentals is growing, the most recent research (source: Mordor Intelligence report), the worldwide market is expected to rise 5 percent between now and 2027, reaching $20 billion, the European market to $6.5 billion over the same period. In Italy at the moment it is “only” 60 million, expected strong growth in 2024.
It is a business model based on electric boats and other electrified water vehicles connected in a dense network of areas where they can be rented, all integrated into a mobile rental application. The first customized models will be displayed and testable during the event. Of note are “Ecowatt” and “Pedal-e” (first pedal-assisted pedal boat), made by GardaSolar. In particular, it will be the first public release for the “Pedal-e” model branded E-ssence and equipped with the integrated tech system with the corresponding app. The pilot project starts with five models, active since June in the coasts of Central and Northern Italy.
Since 2010, GardaSolar has been developing electric boats and motors for tourist boating, with a focus on sustainable products. The collaboration between GardaSolar and Eboats&Go, a company that specializes in building hulls, took shape in 2014, when Eboats&Go launched its first boat. Since then, the synergy between these companies has led to significant growth, with Eboats&Go now having nine rental bases in Italy and more in franchises. The relationship with E-ssence began in 2022 and was finalized with the signing of a letter of intent that integrated the tech company’s web and mobile application into the business, with which one can easily book an electric boat for sea, lake or river trips, with additional services such as a virtual skipper.
“We are at the beginning of a new tourist season and the collaboration between these companies reflects a shared philosophy of collaboration rather than competition,” Michele Lauriola, chief of sustainable officer of E-ssence, said in a note. “Electric boats offer a silent and sustainable experience, suitable for a wide range of activities, from birdwatching to fishing, from family boating to visiting marine protected areas, and the idea behind the synergy between these companies is not only promotes the adoption of electric boating, but also an approach centered on the environment and the customer experience. With this agreement, we at E-ssence enhance the value of Gardasolar’s boats and increase visibility and productivity of Eboats&Go’s members’ business, leveraging a model approachable to Airbnb.”
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