WATCH: City of Kiel to use autonomous electric water taxis

Torqeedo has been awarded a contract to supply a complete electric drive train for a groundbreaking autonomous boat in the German city of Kiel.

The electric vessel, called Wavelab, will be built by the Gebrüder Friedrich shipyard in Kiel and is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2022. Wavelab, will serve as a test vehicle for the clean autonomous public transport network (CAPTN) initiative in Kiel.

The Wavelab will provide an open platform for researching and testing the required technologies for a planned clean autonomous public transportation network on the Kiel fjord. It will follow a modular concept meaning that the vessel will be highly flexible to integrate new technology projects. 

Torqeedo is also project partner on Amsterdam’s Roboat project, which successfully developed two full-scale autonomous prototype vessels for use on Amsterdam’s waterways in 2021.

“The advantages of electric propulsion are obvious in terms of zero emissions and quiet operation,” says Sönke Stich, sales manager of Gebr. Friedrich. “Torqeedo is a clear leader in sustainable mobility technology and will be a solid partner in developing this first-of-its-kind vessel.”

“Electromobility and automation can help relieve urban congestion and reduce air pollution by shifting traffic from roadways to underutilized waterways,” says Dr Michael Rummel, managing director of Torqeedo. “Torqeedo facilitates this transformation with modular, reliable and safe electric drive systems, all from a single supplier. We look forward to working with the Kiel CAPTN team to advance the state-of-the-art and help bring this modern, highly automated integrated transportation network to life.”