E-lixr launches ‘pre-lectric’ Miami water taxi shuttle service

September 10, 2024 Jeff Butler 0 Comments E-lixr

In advance of an all-electric Miami water taxi shuttle service scheduled to open in 2025, startup E-lixr is launching a ‘pre-lectric’ service to pave the way for their new electric boat solution to the city’s urban congestion and environmental challenges.

Like many other cities, Miami’s commute time has lengthened considerably over the past decade, now clocking in at almost one hour (58 minutes). Unlike many of those cities, Miami can use water transportation to get commuters off the roads – and off fossil fuel burning transportation.

Real-time booking, route customization

While the pilot project is using two Axopar boats, the company’s focus is fixed on electric-powered vessels, with a mission to reduce carbon emissions and pollution.

One of the keys to the success of the new services is the scheduling and other logistical details, which don’t rely on the propulsion system of the boats to be tested.

The pilot service coincides with the start of Miami’s busy season and customers can book rides on the E-lixr online with real-time booking, route customization, and immediate confirmation. The goal and advantages of E-lixr is to make it more like a rideshare ‘Uber / Lyft’ service than a traditional scheduled ferry or shuttle.

The other aspect of the electric launch that is being coordinated during the pre-lectric pilot is the placement and capabilities of the chargers. That will be situated on both private and government managed properties.

Feedback will help determine the necessary strategic locations around Miami and to optimize the booking system to be fully integrated for handling customer inquiries and bookings efficiently.

Strategic locations for Miami water taxi charging

The management team for E-lixr brings a wide variety of experiences and successes to the startup. CEO and Co-Founder Sam Payrovi comes from the world of finance, analytics, and business operations, Co-Founder and CXO (Chief Xperience Officer) and Nathalie Paiva complements those skills with her work in hospitality and luxury brand management for companies LVMH.

Sam comments “Our vision for E-lixr is clear, to decarbonize and modernize urban transportation through a dual service approach that caters to both private luxury and public convenience, ensuring that E-lixr is not just a product but a comprehensive transportation solution.”

Director of Marine Operations Aaron Leatherwood completes the team with his background as a US Coast Guard licensed Chief Engineer and retired USCG Commander who brought the famed RMK Merrill Stevens shipyard back to life. His marine operations experience is second to none, and Aaron guides not only the development of the E-lixr electric vessel, but also the infrastructure development and vessel operations.

The three also form the executive team of ARKHAUS, a floating private members club built on four solar-electric yachts that will also be launching in Miami.

E-ferries and water taxis growing worldwide

Electric water taxis and ferries are a growing sector of the electric boats market that are providing innovative solutions for water-based cities all over the world. Candela’s P-12 is carrying commuters through the Stockholm archipelago on hydrofoiling vessels, Bangkok has a fleet of Torqeedo-powered boats servicing the city’s spider web of canals, or ‘khlongs’, Navalt solar ferries in India have now carried more than 4 million passengers fossil-fuel free, and there are more electric public transport vessels operating or planned for Paris, Saudi Arabia, Greece, China, Canada and many more regions.

Read all ferries and water taxis articles in Plugboats

Paiva says Miami’s Elixi-r service has been created for the new realities of urban living. “The post-pandemic world has shifted how people view and use public and private transport, with greater emphasis on health, safety, and personal space. Our water taxi service is designed to address these changes, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable transportation experience, encouraging users to rediscover the pleasure in their commutes.”