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Electric Boat – Solar Only Thames Challenge
Introducing DB1. This electric dayboat prototype designed for quiet, zero-emission cruising along inland waterways.
Mothership and Torkmar the electric boat specialists are preparing to embark on an ambitious solar-powered voyage along the River Thames, travelling 200 kilometres downstream from Lechlade in Gloucestershire directly to Teddington. The journey will serve as a live test to prove the concept of Torkmar’s prototype electric dayboat, DB1 (Dayboat 1), demonstrating the viability of zero-emission, off-grid inland boating.
Skippered by Torkmar founder Tim Knox and his wife Sue, the expedition relies entirely on clean energy generated by DB1’s integrated solar panels and stored in her lithium battery system. If all goes well on the non-tidal Thames. The vessel will navigate the tidal Thames, again without using fossil fuels or shore power, showcasing how modern marine technology can deliver quiet, reliable cruising across the UK’s inland waterways
The Route & Expedition Itinerary
Starting from Lechlade Marina on Tuesday 11th August, the week-long challenge will cover 44 locks along the non-tidal Thames. On the tidal section of the Thames, the first two hours will be against the tide. There will be a period of slack water, and then the tide gently turns. Eventually, that gentle flow turns into a rush. This occurs at the most congested and narrowest part of the river in central London, by the Houses of Parliament.
- Monday 10th August: Final preparation at Lechlade Marina.
- Tuesday 11th August: Depart Lechlade Marina – Arrive Head of the River, Oxford.
- Wednesday 12th August: Depart Oxford – Arrive Shillingford Bridge Hotel, Wallingford.
- Thursday 13th August: Depart Wallingford – Arrive The Relais Henley, Henley-on-Thames.
- Friday 14th August: Depart Henley-on-Thames – Arrive The Crown & Cushion, Eton.
- Saturday 15th August: Depart Eton – Pass through Kingston upon Thames to Teddington
- TBA if all goes well DB1 will travel onward to Limehouse Basin.
Proving the Concept of Sustainable Boating
The primary objective of this Thames passage is to test DB1’s powertrain and solar energy capture under real-world conditions. Powered by an ultra-quiet Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) motor, DB1 features a folding electric solar roof designed to collect solar energy throughout the day and lower for streamlined storage when docked.
“This journey is about more than simply travelling from A to B,” explains Tim Knox. “We want to demonstrate what’s already possible with today’s renewable technology and encourage conversations about sustainable transport, innovation, and the future of our waterways.”
Throughout the expedition, Tim and Sue will post regular updates tracking energy generation, daily weather conditions, battery state-of-charge, and efficiency metrics across different sections of the river.
Follow the Journey
Local residents, media, and boating enthusiasts are invited to follow DB1’s progress along the Thames. Daily updates, photographs, and video coverage will be published across Torkmar’s channels:
YouTube: @mothership_torkmar
Web: torkmar.com
Facebook: Torkmar Official
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