Menu
Explore the future of boating with our selection of high-quality batteries for electric boats. From cutting-edge technology to sustainable power sources, discover how we elevate your electric adventures on the water to new heights. Step aboard and experience a seamless blend of innovation and performance.
Lead-acid, also known as traction batteries, are generally the cheapest and heaviest batteries currently used to power maritime electric engines. These batteries require regular maintenance and must be charged and discharged with care. When treated well, these batteries have a long lifespan, and the recommended cycles can be met.
To maintain the battery capacity for as long as possible, it's important not to discharge them beyond 70%. Damage to the battery cells occurs if discharged beyond 80%, leading to immediate capacity loss. It is also discouraged to recharge them intermittently, as this can make the battery 'lazy,' resulting in capacity reduction over time.
The demineralised water in the pack needs occasional refilling due to evaporation during discharge or heat development.
A custom refill system is provided to indicate the current water level.
These batteries are commonly used in the industry but are challenging to work with due to their weight and size, making them unsuitable for smaller boats.
Since lead-acid batteries cannot be discharged too deeply, it is important to match the battery capacity to the power usage of the engine and charger. The recommended calculator displays only packages suitable for the selected motor, chargeable on a standard 220V charging point.
With proper care, the maximum lifespan is 7 years and/or 1500 charging cycles.
Amsterdam Electric offers these traction packs in various sizes and capacities, housed in custom metal or plastic containers with an Anderson connector for motor connection.
Attached is a graph showing a traction battery's depth of discharge (DoD). Approximately 1500 cycles can be achieved with a 70% discharge.
In contrast to lead-acid/traction batteries, AGM and Gel batteries do not require maintenance. These sealed batteries, if installed upright, do not leak. They can discharge up to 60% and, therefore, are slightly more expensive per kWh than traction batteries. There are fewer options in size, but their compactness makes them suitable for smaller boats with budget constraints. AGM and Gel batteries must always be properly charged like traction batteries, and intermittent charging is detrimental.
With proper care, the maximum lifespan is 7 years and/or 1200 charging cycles.
Amsterdam Electric offers these packages in various capacities, housed in plastic containers with corresponding connectors or in sealed containers with two outgoing connectors for the motor and charger.
The graph below shows a curve representative of AGM and Gel batteries. Approximately 1200 cycles can be achieved with a maximum discharge of 60%.
Lead Carbon batteries are slightly more expensive than AGM or Gel batteries but usually have the longest lifespan. They resemble AGM and Gel batteries in size and weight. With this kind of battery, the negative plates are coated with carbon, which results in improved charging and discharging performance, making them more resistant to deep discharging and intermittent charging. These properties generally result in a longer battery life.
With proper care, the maximum lifespan is 10 years and/or 3500 charging cycles at a 50% DoD between a temperature of 15 to 25 °C.
Amsterdam Electric offers these packages in various capacities, housed in plastic containers with corresponding connectors or in sealed containers with only two outgoing connectors for the motor and charger.
The graph below shows the discharge curve of lead-carbon batteries. Approximately 2500 cycles can be achieved with a maximum discharge of 60%.
In addition to lead-acid batteries, Amsterdam Electric also offers several models of Lithium-Ion batteries, which provide many advantages over the previously mentioned batteries. Lithium batteries allow intermittent charging, have a usable capacity of 100%, and have a high energy density, making them more compact and quite a bit lighter. In addition to standard and expandable packages, Amsterdam Electric offers options to build fully customized systems. These systems are not available in the calculator but can be developed if there is interest. At a maximum discharge of 100%, these batteries have a minimum of 2500 charging cycles. If a maximum discharge of 80% is maintained, the number of cycles can increase to 4000.
The graph below shows that at an 80% DoD, approximately 4000 cycles can be achieved.
Energy Research has been producing batteries for the maritime sector for many years, offering a reliable and attractive product.
Amsterdam Electric uses the 48v/100ah variant, a single 40 kg battery with a capacity of 5 kWh, making it easy to connect and work with. The status of these batteries can be easily monitored via the energy research application. This battery is interesting, especially for smaller to medium-sized sloops, as one or two batteries can create a package large enough for longer voyages. Unlike custom-made and lead-acid packages, these packages can always be expanded with one or more additional batteries.
In addition to the standard 5 kWh battery banks that Amsterdam Electric offers, Amsterdam Boat Service builds two different lithium packs for Amsterdam Electric. In constructing these other versions, the battery charger and various connection materials are already integrated, saving approximately €550,- in connection materials.
These battery packs are made from the highest quality automotive lithium battery cells. The 9.7kWh packs and those based on them are made from recycled Mercedes-Benz NMC[1] battery cells, and the 14kWh packs and those based on them are made from new aluminum LifePO4 [2] battery cells.
The construction allows expanding these packs to the desired capacity within a single package. As a result, these battery packs are particularly compact compared to competing battery packs and, therefore, a financially interesting option, especially at higher capacities. In other words, scaling up quickly achieves economic benefits.
These packs can also provide a solution where there is a lack of space, as they are significantly less voluminous than the aforementioned 5 kWh banks.
The plug-and-play feature of this battery pack also has an installation-related advantage. The NMC and LifePO4 battery packs are delivered in a sealed plastic or steel box containing the battery cells, charger, fuses, shunt, 48-volt inverter, and switch. This means only the power plug of the battery charger, the motor via Anderson connector, and the motor's battery cables must be connected. This eliminates the need to find suitable places for all these separate parts and wire them up. This prevents a complex wiring harness in the boat and significantly reduces installation time.
We not only sell complete propulsion systems. In many cases, we also sell individual battery packs or separate engines, including connection materials. Amsterdam Electric does not sell separate connection materials.
When an electric drivetrain is professionally connected and installed, it is at least as safe as a conventional (combustion) drive. Therefore, Amsterdam Electric offers ready-to-use packages that are connected by professionals. These systems are plug-and-play to ensure the customer does not have to connect electrical components. If you still desire to do the installation independently, we recommend taking a course on connecting low-voltage systems and acquiring the right tools.
Finally, Amsterdam Electric advises having a fire extinguisher on board and securing the system according to regulations.
Charging Stations
You can charge your boat at the charging stations provided by the Municipality of Amsterdam for electric boats. Currently, there are ten charging facilities, each with two points. A total of 20 charging points. This number will increase since all pleasure boats in Amsterdam must be electric by 2025 (source: information evening on electric boating Municipality of Amsterdam).
Stroomboot
A pilot project with charging points on houseboats on the water has also been launched. This pilot is carried out by the company Stroomboot in collaboration with the Municipality of Amsterdam. Charging points will be installed at houseboats and any waterfront cafes, where boats can dock to charge. The first Power Boat charging point in Houthavens is ready for use. (source: https://www.amsterdam.nl/verkeer-vervoer/varen-amsterdam/elektrisch-varen/))
Charging at Home
You can also use electricity from your home, if you live near the canals. Finally, Amsterdam Electric also builds interchangeable battery packs that you can take home to charge. Since this is more expensive to build and can vary per application, it is only quoted upon request.
Amsterdam Electric is happy to help you by selling plug-and-play packages to take as much work off your hands as possible. Furthermore, we assist you with multiple instructional videos to get you started.
You can have your package professionally installed by Amsterdam Boat Service through Amsterdam Electric. If you are interested in this, you can request a non-binding quote. In this request, you must include several photos of the boat, engine bay, measurement of the engine frame regarding to the axle, and wiring so that an estimate of labour hours can be given.
All parts sold by Amsterdam Electric fall under the manufacturer's standard warranty period. Since this can vary by manufacturer and product, your package comes with a warranty overview.
Essential features such as power, energy consumption, engine noise, and ease of installation can vary significantly for each electric engine. That's why you can find the unique features, advantages, and disadvantages of the product on the product pages on the Amsterdam Electric website. In some cases, you will be redirected to our suppliers' website. It is convenient to determine in advance what you're looking for, how big or small your budget is, whether you will install the package yourself, and how far your technical knowledge and skills extend.
When choosing the battery pack, it is essential first to determine how long you drive regularly. The duration of your trip determines the size (capacity) of the battery pack; the type of battery you choose is also relevant. Since not all batteries can be discharged entirely (DoD), this plays a role in the usable capacity of your pack. Amsterdam Electric advises lithium batteries since they last the longest, are the most compact, and are completely maintenance-free. However, lithium batteries do not fit every budget; we also offer lead-acid/traction batteries, AGM batteries, Gel batteries and lead-carbon batteries. You can find a clear description of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of battery you choose.
You need a shunt and display to read your energy consumption and range. Some engines are delivered with a shunt; for others, you can purchase it from the supplier or a third party. With the products offered by Amsterdam Electric, you can easily find the system that suits you.
For your onboard equipment, such as navigation lighting and the bilge pump, you need a 12-volt or 24-volt inverter. This way, you supply your current power grid with electricity via the battery pack of the new electric propulsion system. At Amsterdam Electric, we only offer the Victron Orion inverters in different voltages and amperages.
With the proper knowledge, installing the drivetrain yourself is not very difficult. However, getting the fine, but critical details is often challenging. This includes correctly aligning the engine, setting up the battery display, and commissioning the drive. Many tasks require special tools and experience to know how to use them. In many cases, purchasing at least a plug-and-play system or having the package installed by Amsterdam Electric is more economically attractive.
