Raicho Ichigo a small boat that runs on lithium-ion batteries and releases no nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides or other hazardous gases was unveiled in Tokyo on Friday by a research team. The Raicho Ichigo is designed by a coalition of researchers from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Yamaha Motor Co. and other companies. While charging the batteries involves using electricity produced by utilities that emit carbon dioxide, the boat runs on an electric motor and releases no exhaust gas. The boat’s total carbon footprint is about half that of a comparable diesel-run vessel. The 10-meter-long, 2.3 meter-wide boat can seat upto12. It can operate for 45 minutes on a single charge. It produces substantially less noise and vibration than a diesel-powered vessel.
