French 10-person rental houseboat gets electric ePropulsion system

July 30, 2024 Jeff Butler 0 Comments ePropulsion, France, Les Canalous

Les Canalous, one of France’s largest boat rental / boat hire companies, has upgraded a 5-cabin, 12 passenger houseboat with an electric ePropulsion system. ‘LaPeniche-S‘ now has the motor manufacturer’s I-20 inboard installed to replace the previous hybrid propulsion.

This is the first electric option in the Les Canalous fleet of 300+ boats. It has been refitted to cater to the growing number of vacationers who want to enjoy the picturesque scenery of the French countryside, its romantic canals and rivers – without the noise, vibration and smell of fossil fuel.

This project follows the recent expansion of ePropulsion France and underscores the company’s dedication to the French market and the electric boating industry.

Les Canalous started in the early 1980s and specializes in self-drive boats where the pilot does not require an operating license. The newly electric LaPeniche-S fits the bill perfectly with its 20 kW (≈30 hp) motor and four of ePropulsion’s G102-100 10 kWh batteries (40 kWh total).

That makes for a gentle, easy cruise speed, allowing the passengers to relax and enjoy the journey and each other’s company. It is made easy for the pilot as well, with conversation and can relax and enjoy the journey. The task is made easy for the pilot as well, with a digital display screen and remote control smart throttle.

Fifteen metres long (50 ft) and 4.41 meters wide (14.5 ft), LaPeniche-S can comfortably accommodate 10 people with its 5 cabins (double bed in each), 4 bathrooms (with shower) and fully outfitted kitchen that includes a cooker, refrigerator, sink and oven. There is a huge open air deck, and the minimum height in the lounge and cabin area is 2.03 meters (6 ft 6 in.)

Departure stations for exploring Alsace-Lorraine

There are two departure stations, in Languimberg – Port du Houillon and Waltenheim sur Zorn. They are both perfectly situated for vacationers to explore the Alsace Lorraine region, famous for its white wine, colourful half-timbered houses and blend of French-German cuisine and culture.

The I-20 electric ePropulsion system does not require any specialized charging equipment, but there can be sections along the canals and inland rivers where shoreside charging is scarce. To address this, LaPeniche-S has an onboard generator, supplied by Solé Iberia, that runs on HVO fuel – Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil. The fuel is often sourced from waste cooking oils, and the Solé Iberai solution emits as little as 1/10 of the carbon of similar generators burning fossil-based fuels.

“We have been very impressed with the sustainable upgrades that our popular vessel, LaPeniche-S, has received” said Alfred Carignant, CEO of Les Canalous Group. “It provides a superior way to enjoy the richness of France’s waterways compared to traditional thermal engine boats, and we will continue to develop electric solutions. We would also like to thank ePropulsion for ensuring the success of this project, as we prepare to enter our busiest season.”

electric ePropulsion system introduced in 2022

The ePropulsion I-20 was launched in late 2022 as part of the I-Series of electric inboards that consists of the I-10, I-20 and I-40. The company also launched 40kW and 60 kw electric outboards in 2023 and early this year launched the eLite, a 500 watt outboard with integrated battery in a rudder-shaped casing.

Danny Tao, Co-Founder and CEO of ePropulsion said, “We are committed to revolutionizing the sustainable boating experience and are thrilled to deliver this electric ePropulsion system for one of Europe’s leading rental operators. This unique upgrade for Les Canalous represents a significant innovation, and we look forward to feedback from renters using LaPeniche-S this summer.” You can rent the LaPeniche-S through the link below.

ePropulsion website ePropulsion in the pages of Plugboats ePropulsion motors for sale in Plugboats Marketplace Solé Iberia website Les Canalous website Rent La Pleniche-S