Watt Knots

Insights

The viability argument, built piece by piece

Opinion and technical commentary on electric propulsion, 48V systems, and integrated marine energy architecture. Sourced, specific, and written for engineers and investors.

Electric propulsion is already proven. Just look at the start line.
ViabilityMay 20267 min read

Electric propulsion is already proven. Just look at the start line.

The debate about whether electric drives work is settled, on the race course, not in a brochure.

Read article →
Why 48 volts is quietly becoming the marine standard.
StandardsUpcoming

Why 48 volts is quietly becoming the marine standard.

48 volts is not an arbitrary number. It sits at the intersection of engineering practicality and regulatory ad

6 min readRead →
The diesel deadline: how Europe's emissions rules are redrawing the cruising map.
RegulationUpcoming

The diesel deadline: how Europe's emissions rules are redrawing the cruising map.

The Mediterranean is tightening. Norway has committed to zero-emission fjords. Dutch inland waters are on a co

8 min readRead →
Cold batteries don't work: electrification is a thermal problem, not a swap.
EngineeringUpcoming

Cold batteries don't work: electrification is a thermal problem, not a swap.

LiFePO4 cells cannot be charged below 0°C without permanent damage. Their usable capacity falls sharply below

7 min readRead →
Total cost of ownership is already at parity. Here is the maths.
EconomicsUpcoming

Total cost of ownership is already at parity. Here is the maths.

The premium of electric over diesel at purchase is real. So are the savings in fuel, servicing, downtime, and

9 min readRead →
Four curves bending the right way: why electric sailing crosses over now.
TechnologyUpcoming

Four curves bending the right way: why electric sailing crosses over now.

Battery costs have fallen roughly 93% over fifteen years. Solar module efficiency has improved by approximatel

7 min readRead →
Diesel, once burned, is gone. A sail can put energy back.
TechnologyUpcoming

Diesel, once burned, is gone. A sail can put energy back.

Under sail with a freewheeling propeller, an electric drive becomes a generator. A passage from Falmouth to th

6 min readRead →