Electric Leisure Boats: Enablers and Barriers : A case study of leisure boat manufacturers

Sammanfattning: Combustion engines and fossil fuels have traditionally driven motor-powered leisure boats. Electrification is quickly transforming the transportation sector, but electric boats are rare. The primary drawback of the electric boat is the high production cost. This study explores the existing leisure boat manufacturers’ efforts and attitudes toward leisure boat electrification. The study is primarily qualitative and uses semi-structured interviews as the dominant data-gathering method. A theoretical framework that covers industrial transformation and innovation was used to analyse the data. This analysis was divided into socio-oriented and firm-oriented features. Enablers and barriers were identified, and a cycle of electric boat development was developed. Enablers identified are the altered nature experience, lower running costs, legislative incentives, less need for maintenance, upcoming scientific progressions and new business opportunities. Barriers identified are cultural concerns, knowledge gaps, infrastructure hesitations, demand awaiting, and disbelief of regulations significance. Manufacturers mostly perceive the socio-cultural experience as the essence of leisure boating. Traditionally manufacturers map the market demand by user surveys and put small efforts into influencing the market. Manufacturers generally believe that environmental concerns are the primary motive for the sales of electric boats. The electric boat development cycle is a model that explains the society-firm dynamics of the leisure boat market. The characteristics of the electric boat are distinct yet subjective, much like the leisure boat culture. If the socio-culture of leisure boats could be redefined, the electric transition could be accelerated.