Torqeedo Powers BBC Film Crew on Planet Earth II

Market leader in electric propulsion, Torqeedo, powered the BBC's Natural History Documentary team while filming pink river dolphins and jaguars in the Amazon, presented by Sir David Attenborough.

The BBC contacted Torqeedo in 2014 in preparation for the filming of the “Planet Earth II” series in the jungle, observing animals in their natural habitat.

A major concern was the need to preserve the environment, and to avoid disturbing animals with noise or pollution. Torqeedo recommended its Travel 1003 model, using rechargeable batteries and a solar panel for charging out in the field.

With its high performance, low voltage and low noise, the crew were able to get close up to film pink river dolphins without disturbing or distressing them.

Tom Crowley of the BBC Natural History Unit for the Planet Earth II series said,

“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. 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.”

The BBC team also used Torqeedo motors to film jaguars from their river boat in Brazil, without noise disturbance from the motor.

The electric outboards are easy to lift, carry and stow, are almost silent in use and cheap to run. The vastly improved battery technology, cleanliness, reliability and low maintenance of these modern electric engine is also very appealing to a wide range of boaters. 

Torqeedo’s environmentally friendly engines achieve the same power as a petrol outboard without the risk of leaking fuel and emissions and with 50% efficiency compared to 10% with petrol models. 

You can see Torqeedo’s motors in action in the Amazon on the BBC Natural History channel, from November 2016.

About Torqeedo: 
Founded in 2005, Torqeedo is the market leader in the growing electric outboard motor industry.Torqeedo manufactures high-tech outboards combining lithium batteries with leading motor technology and propeller design to produce unrivalled strength and efficiency for superior range. Models range from 1 to 80 HP, with innovative accessories, solar powered chargers and high-powered lithium batteries. Torqeedo’s products are environmentally-sound and have won numerous awards incuding the DAME Overall Award at METSTRADE 2016.