Dec 4, 2016

Torqeedo, leader in the growing electric marine propulsion market, worked with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to power its natural history documentary team’s boat on the Amazon River. There, they filmed pink river dolphins in the water and jaguars on shore, for its latest “Planet Earth II” series. It will be presented by Sir David Attenborough on BBC One, beginning November 2016, and on BBC America, starting January 28, 2017.

While preparing to start filming, the BBC contacted Torqeedo. Its primary concern was the need to preserve the environment, without disturbing the animals with noisy motors or polluting their habitats. Torqeedo recommended its popular low-maintenance, low-voltage Travel 1003 model with integrated high-performance lithium batteries and a solar panel for charging in the field.

“We were keen to get as close to the animals in their natural environment as possible, but their wellbeing and safety will always come first,” said Tom Crowley, part of the BBC Natural History Unit for the “Planet Earth II” series. “Using Torqeedo’s electric motors ensures we can protect and preserve their habitat, whilst getting closer than we’ve been before. The Travel 1003 model was so easy and simple to use, and allowed us to concentrate on the most important factor: filming these gorgeous creatures.”

Torqeedo’s environmentally friendly outboards are easy to lift, stow and carry, almost silent in use and extremely inexpensive to run. They achieve the same power as a gasoline-powered engine, without the emissions and risk of leaking fuel. With vastly improved battery technologies, the cleanliness, reliability and low maintenance ownership experience of a modern electric engine is now highly appealing to a wide range of boat owners. 

Contact Torqeedo Inc., 171 Erick Street Unit A-1, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. 815-444-8806; Fax: 815-444-8807. usa@torqeedo.com; www.torqeedo.com.