The university created two new types of electric boats, "RAICHO-I" and "RAICHO-S", in 2010 and 2011, respectively. These crafts utilize some special and unique features that set them apart from existing electric boats or battery-powered boats. They utilize a lithium-ion battery with a plug-in system or a rapid charging system. The absence of exhaust gas emissions from the boats' electric motors give them an environmental advantage over internal combustion engine-propelled boats, thereby contributing to a reduction in air and water pollution and helping slow global warming.

Jan 2013
Underwater test at Ishigaki-jima Island
Jun 2011
Launched "RAICHO-S"
Dec 2010
Started construction of the boat
Sep 2010
Started detailed design of the second boat
Jul 2010
Type approval and trial-navigation demonstration
May 2010
Launched "RAICHO-I"
Mar 2010
Announcement of the development plan for the boat (press conference)
Oct 2009
Started construction of the boat
May 2009
Started detailed design of the boat
Mar 2009
The university installed a rapid charger for EVs on the campus (the first university to do so)
Mar 2009
Started investigation of current battery-powered propulsion systems for boat and examination of the basic design for a plug-in electric boat
Apr 1999
The university started cooperation with TEPCO in the field of EV research

Lithium-ion battery with plug-in system or rapid charging system

  • The dockside-mounted rapid charger can bring the boat's battery up to 80% of full charge within 30 minutes, which is much faster than conventional charging systems (usually take 10 hours).
  • The boat can operate for 45 minutes at full speed and remain at berth for 30 minutes while recharging in a cyclic operation.
  • The powerful lithium-ion battery gives the boat a running speed of around 10 knots (19 km/hr), enabling it to navigate not only in calm waters but also in open sea conditions where wind and waves prevent the operation of conventional battery-powered craft.

Low environmental stress and a low carbon society

  • Zero emission of NOx, SOx and CO2 when running
  • Suitable for use in lakes and marshes where the use of combustion engine-propelled vessels is prohibited in Europe and America.
  • Reducing CO2 levels by 50-70%
  • No oil and no gas, low noise and low vibration

Water jet propulsion system ("RAICHO-S")

  • "RAICHO-S" utilizes a water jet propulsion system driven by electric motor whose advantages are safety for the diver, passing floating rope on fish preserve, and environmental reservation (no-damage on leafs, fishes, and aquatic plants).
  • "RAICHO-S" has a waterproof wired remote control system with a control knob that can be moved through 360 degrees to steer the boat in any direction.