A dedicated project creates an eco-friendly, low-emission tourism destination, preserving the tranquil beauty of one of the most spectacular destinations in China.
ePropulsion has shared its latest sustainable boating project – transforming the bamboo rafts of Guilin Li River into fully customised electric boats in a bid to boost the ecological impact of the rafts and enhance the experience of visitors to the area.
With over 2,000 rafts fuelled by traditional combustion engines located in the scenic setting of the River Li, the river has been exposed to air, water and noise pollution for decades. To combat this, ePropulsion collaborated with the local government to deliver fully custom, electric propulsion systems, which were fitted to the rafts for a new, greener era of boating.
These advanced, eco-conscious systems, referred to as the “longtail motor”, feature a sleek, fully integrated design, incorporating a digital display screen, throttle handle module, cooling system, propeller and transmission shaft. They deliver an impressive maximum power of 9kW. Benefitting from a convenient operation; the thruster is installed at the tail of the raft, the tail shaft is then tilted, inserted in the water and propelled by the propeller. The motors are safe, reliable and easy to use. The bamboo raft operators have received extensive training sessions on how to use the electric propulsion systems effectively, laying the foundation for future operations.
ePropulsion’s design capabilities ensure the appearance of the bamboo rafts are not compromised. As a traditional form of transportation with millennia of history, the innovative solution blends the modern technology with the long-established culture of the bamboo rafts, ensuring its seamless fit on the idyllic River Li.
The rafts also offer a large-capacity battery system to meet the long-term endurance requirements of the scenic area operation, and a newly developed propeller design to boost efficiency and hydrodynamic performance.
At full power, the ePropulsion electric propulsion systems offer a minimal noise level below 60 decibels, facilitating a comfortable on-the-water experience for tourists looking to enjoy the serene environment. The project, in the first phase of operation, has already seen 700 rafts electrified with plans for the rest of the fleet to be converted soon.
Danny Tao, Co-Founder and CEO of ePropulsion said, “We are thrilled to have played a key role in developing sustainable boating along the River Li. The beautiful landscape will be preserved for years to come with our ecological solutions, and our unique noise-reducing technology will ensure a boost in tourism to this idyllic and scenic environment.
“As a leader in the global boat electrification industry, it is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to work with Lijiang Scenic Area and others to jointly commit to protecting our water from pollution and coordinate the construction of green and low-carbon tourist attractions.
“The gradual delivery and use of pure electric sightseeing rafts marks the official entry of Li River tourism into the new energy era, propelling the project to the forefront of solving the environmental pollution problem of fuel-powered rafts in the region.”
