E-lixr, a young electric water taxi service, is shifting its business strategy to become the first operator of all-electric vessels in the US. Founded by Sam Payrovi and Nathalie Paiva, the company aims to support new and existing marine fleet operators through a unified platform. They have brought on board Aaron Leatherwood, a US Coast Guard licensed chief engineer and retired USCG Commander, as the director of marine operations.
In a recent announcement, E-lixr stated that they are emerging at a crucial time post-pandemic, with an increase in environmental awareness, urban congestion, and technological advancements creating ideal conditions for alternative transport solutions. The company plans to launch a pilot service of electric water taxis on the waterways of Biscayne Bay in Miami, starting with two traditional Axopar vessels.
Initially, E-lixr aimed to introduce the nation’s first all-electric waterborne transportation service with their own zero-emission vessels. However, they have now shifted their focus to creating a global network of all-electric operators under a single brand. This new strategy will empower operators through a unified platform-based business model, enabling faster scalability and modernization of operations.
E-lixr aims to establish a network of medium- and large-scale operators as well as individual entrepreneurs operating on smaller waterways. They will provide tools, resources, and services to launch and maintain electric water taxi or ferry services, including access to approved electric boats, financing solutions, tech platforms for ticketing, routing, marketing campaigns, charging infrastructure, and legal support.
The company plans to integrate rider, captain, and host applications into a centralized technology ecosystem, enabling seamless ticket sales and onboard hospitality. They also intend to facilitate first- and last-mile connections through partnerships with rideshare services on land. E-lixr will partner with OEMs worldwide to approve their vessels for operations within the network and establish a dedicated US shipyard to expedite the production of electric boats.
E-lixr will initially launch in Miami and potentially other US markets before expanding internationally. The company’s goal is to make all-electric waterborne transportation accessible and ubiquitous, benefiting operators and expediting the transition to sustainable water transportation. Riders will be able to book entire journeys from home to waterfront to destination in a single transaction, expanding the customer base for operators.
