Travelling the River Thames in DB1—100% solar, zero shore power.
Introducing DB1 (Dayboat 1). This electric dayboat prototype designed for quiet, zero-emission cruising along inland waterways. Perfect for couples, families, and friends. Powered by a quiet Permanent Magnet AC (PMAC) motor and features an innovative electric solar roof that captures clean energy during the day and folds down for easy storage when docked.
Torkmar to Undertake Thames Solar Challenge in Prototype Electric Dayboat 'DB1'
Torkmar is 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 non-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
However, at the same time, they harvested 6.8kWh from the sun via efficient solar panels, resulting in a total net drain of 12.5kWh. There was no generator and no shoreline hook-up. To clarify, it took just 12.5kWh to house a couple in comfort for 24 hours and power an 18-tonne boat for 26 miles on the very challenging waters of the tidal River Thames.
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. If all systems are performing optimally upon reaching Teddington, the crew plans to proceed onward through tidal waters to Limehouse Basin.
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
Facebook: Torkmar Official
Technical Specifications & Platform Overview
DB1 is built around a fully integrated zero-emission powertrain, engineered specifically for low-speed, high-torque displacement performance along inland waterways. By pairing optimized electrical componentry with high-yield solar collection, DB1 operates as a self-sustaining platform for day-cruising without reliance on shore power.
Dimensions & Passenger Capacity
Length: 19′ 6″
Beam: 7′ 4″
Seating Capacity: Comfortably accommodates up to 6 adults in an open, social layout.
Propulsion & Drivetrain
1.5 kW PMAC Electric Motor: High-torque Permanent Magnet AC motor delivering silent, zero-emission propulsion. Sized for direct-drive efficiency without gearbox friction or mechanical noise.
14″ High-Efficiency Propeller: Matched specifically to the motor’s torque curve for maximum thrust at displacement speeds with minimal energy draw.
Integrated Weed Hatch: Allows quick, clean clearance of aquatic vegetation directly from inside the boat without entering the water.
Power Storage & Solar Energy Capture
5 kWh Lithium Battery Bank: Lightweight, high-energy-density storage providing sustained power for long days on the water.
756 W Solar Array: High-yield overhead solar array capable of fully powering the boat when cruising at speeds up to 4 mph in suitable daylight, allowing infinite range under good solar conditions.
Automated Roof & Canopy System
Remote-Controlled Electric Lowering: At the press of a remote button, the entire canopy descends automatically over the vessel.
Effortless Mooring Preparation: Eliminates canvas covers, poppers, and press-studs entirely—making DB1 the simplest boat on the market to secure at the end of the day.
Learn More and Get a Quote
Ready to explore the possibilities for your boat? For in-depth information about our high-performance Törkmar motors and how they can transform your boating experience, contact Törkmar today for a consultation and a detailed quotation.