OnePlanetCapital Climate Change EIS Fund investment

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OnePlanetCapital (www.oneplanet.capital), the climate change focused EIS fund, has made a follow-on investment in marine electrification technology company RAD Propulsion. The round has also been supported by incumbent supporting funds Vala Capital and BritBots.

The raise is to facilitate RAD’s operational scale up as its RAD 40 electric drive goes into production fulfilling key contracts and being available for the first time to select launch customers. It is anticipated that RAD will go on to raise a Series A round in 2024 as it looks to capitalise on the demand in this 12bn USD rapidly growing market.

Matt Jellicoe of OnePlanetCapital commented on the investment; “RAD Propulsion is building momentum quickly with sought after products. The industry buy-in is snowballing and with an experienced team at the helm in Dan Hook and Richard Daltry the business is on an upward trajectory that we are thrilled to be part of”.

Dan Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion said: “Marine electrification is a nascent opportunity with 95 percent of new boats still consuming fossil fuels. The experienced teams from OnePlanetCapital, Vala and BritBots identified RAD’s unique, tech focussed approach which ideally positions us to deliver boat builders, commercial operators and high-end leisure users, the solutions they need to reduce their carbon footprint”.

Rad Propulsion Outboard

Top 5 Reasons An Electric Outboard makes sense

From the launch of the first Tesla to the continued development of electric powered trains, there’s been plenty of talk over the past decade about switching to cleaner power sources, and for good reason. It is critical to the future of the marine industry. While boat propulsion systems have traditionally been petrol-powered, advances in electric outboard technology have led to an increasing number of owners deciding to make the switch to electric propulsion. Add to this, the continued government regulations around petrol motors to reduce carbon emissions – some countries like the Netherlands are set to ban fossil fuel boats by 2025 – and forecasts are now predicting that the number of boat owners will grow by 12.9% between 2022-2032.

Despite this, there are still plenty of misconceptions about the capability, costs, and reliability of an electric-powered outboard that might leave some marine enthusiasts on the fence about whether or not to make the switch. We want to change that. In this blog, we will explain some of the reasons why it makes sense for boat enthusiasts to consider investing in an electric outboard motor.

Side Image of electric propulsion boat

Smoother navigation

Arguably, one of the key factors in any outboard motor is its navigation and performance through different waterways. For those who chose an electric motor, you’re in luck. Thanks to the use of a battery as opposed to traditional combustion methods, an electric outboard motor provides the best boating experience. Response time is significantly improved and unlike petrol motors – which have a small delay between the throttle movement and motor response – electric outboards respond from the moment the throttle is applied.

Electric motors like the new RAD 40 electric outboard from RAD Propulsion are also specifically built with unique advanced steering capabilities. The precise throttle control and drive-by-wire steering features offer increased control across a waterway and easy and simple navigation. Thanks to its lightweight design and use of battery over combustion power, RAD 40 also minimises the vibrations of the boat across the water, making for a much calmer and smoother on the water experience.

Emission-free and clean

Fresh air, a good dose of vitamin D, and stress reduction surrounded by calming waters are just a few of the benefits that come with being on a boat. Yet plenty are unaware of the impacts that petrol-powered boats can have on air and water quality – through the release of polluting substances like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. Electric outboard motors on the other hand are clean, efficient, and fully sustainable as they release no environmentally harmful emissions and are carbon-neutral vessels. Thanks to the electric advantage you’re not only breathing in clean air and avoiding the fuel and exhaust smells but you’re also helping to maintain the waterways and protect the local aquatic and marine environment.

With the ever-increasing government support for zero-emission boating, not to mention the increasing climate crisis we find ourselves in, there is a real desire to be greener in day-to-day activities and reduce emissions. RAD Propulsion offers the perfect solution. Unlike alternative motors which are designed just for operation, the RAD 40 electric outboard has been tailored to provide both environmentally clean power as well as a high-performance output that can provide system solutions to a range of boat configurations. As we see more areas like lakes and river ban the use of combustion engines the move to electric will become the only future for boating.

Electric Boat

Improved safety

Safety is perhaps one of the most important factors when using a boat. Whether it be from the lack of response time afforded by the steering or the flammable combustion engine fuels, minimal safety assurance means you and your passengers are at unnecessary risk. While safety maintenance will always be fundamental to the marine industry, Electric outboards from the outset provide far fewer risks thanks to their use of a non-flammable and waterproof battery. This greatly reduces risks like fires as well as any potential for the battery to shut off from water damage. Instead, your experience is solely about the beautiful views and fantastic memories as opposed to combustion engine-based safety concerns.

Confidence and reliability

Thanks to the direct drive technology of an electric outboard there are fewer moving parts to go wrong reducing the time and cost of maintenance. Imagine not having to have a pull cord to start your outboard, and not dealing with the anxiety associated with that – will it or won’t it start? and the ability to get it to started if you’re not as able bodied. With the touch of a button or flick of a switch an electric outboard will be up and running, and even those less confident around boats will feel in control and ready to start their journey with ease. The RAD 40 makes installation a breeze thanks to its lightweight and neat form. There is no requirement for external steering gear and connections, you are ready to get on the water almost instantly.

Electric Propulsion Engine front off boat view

Quieter operation

The boating industry has long been bogged down by large and loud engines that require passengers to shout just to hear one another. Thankfully, with the emergence of electric-powered boats that’s quickly in the process of changing. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric propulsion leaves little to no noise pollution. This means that the local wildlife will not be disturbed and scared away from their local habitat, allowing you and your passengers to enjoy the tranquil waters and calming sounds of your surroundings.

The electric advantage

As individuals, businesses, and governments begin to commit further to carbon-neutral and emission-free propulsion, it’s no surprise that more and more boat enthusiasts are beginning to make the switch from traditional internal combustion engines. With the numerous advantages offered by an electric outboard, there’s no doubt that in the near future waterways will see a growing population of electric-powered vehicles. It simply makes sense for our future.

If you’re interested in the RAD 40 electric outboard motor from RAD Propulsion, have a question, or are simply looking for expert industry advice, contact our team of experts today.

RAD Propulsion attends boot Dusseldorf 21-29 January 2023

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RAD Propulsion will showcase its first electric propulsion system, RAD 40, a radically different outboard for ribs and powerboats designed from the ground up by a team of expert engineers at boot Dusseldorf 2023.
People attending the show will be able to check out our revolutionary systems and products with intuitive operating features for themselves.

boot Dusseldorf runs 21-29 January 2023 and RAD Propulsion can be found in Hall 10, stand C61. Visit www.boot.com for more information.

RAD Propulsion attends METS 2022

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METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) 2022 in Amsterdam looks to be back to pre pandemic scale and RAD is thrilled to make its METS debut, launching its RAD40 drive at one of the biggest events in the marine calendar.

If you are attending pop along and see us in Hall 5 stand 567 or get in touch to set up a meeting.

RAD enhances quality & compliance team

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Experienced amateur sailor Sam Pickering has recently joined RAD to help build our quality and compliance processes. Sam previously worked in aerospace and marine industries focusing on requirement’s management, product testing and certification.

He worked on the certification of landing gear for Airbus A330 NEO aircraft, test and certification of bespoke first-class cabin products for a number of major international airlines.

It is important that high performance electrical systems are designed and tested to the latest standards and with his keen eye for detail Sam will be instrumental in doing this for the RAD architecture and 40kW product.

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Rad Propulsion Employee and his work

Future Plus  Partner RAD Propulsion

FuturePlus partnership tracks sustainability progress

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Sustainability is at the heart of RAD Propulsion’s business and we are thrilled to be working with Future Plus on our growth mission.

Starting a business from scratch presents a great opportunity to do it right. Right for the customers, right for the team and right for the planet. FuturePlus helps us track and monitor our sustainability progress.

We have a long way to go, so much to do and improvements to make, from minimal and sustainable packaging to how we charge our boats. We are also increasingly working on projects with boat builders and are keen to make joint improvements with them, if you have ideas please get in touch.

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RAD moves to new home at Universal Marina

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To enable more testing and direct access to its customers RAD has moved to it’s new offices and workshop at Universal Marina, next to the Hamble River in Hampshire, UK. With ample space for product design, electrical and support teams, it is also great for after work paddleboarding and sailing. If you are working on an electric boat project come and see us, plenty of parking and a good coffee courtesy of Mermaids Deli.