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Vancouver’s Aquabus, the colourful little False Creek boat that ferries residents and tourists to popular destinations like Science World and Granville Island, is going electric.
‘I’ve always wanted to do this,’ says Aquabus owner Geoff Pratt, who plans to electrify more of the fleet eventually.
Vancouver’s Aquabus, the colourful little False Creek boat that ferries residents and tourists to popular destinations like Science World and Granville Island, is going electric.
Geoff Pratt, the owner of the family run business, describes himself as a bit of a gear head who is excited to ditch the diesel and eventually transform all the boats to electric.
However, that will take time, especially with the larger Cyquabus platform boats.
For now, the family has already switched over one of its smaller, 12-passenger wooden boats from 1985, and the result has been fantastic, he said.
“It actually is very comfortable and quiet. So we are happy with the outcome,” said Pratt, adding: “I’ve always wanted to do this.”
In fact, he did try to go electric about 10 years ago but the technology just wasn’t the same as it is now.
“I spent a lot of money and we put a system in but all the controllers would break,” he said. “Marine environments are the toughest because of the saltwater, and the systems just weren’t ready for it yet.”
He said batteries used to be very heavy and now they’re much lighter, while the charge lasts much longer. Pratt estimated the boat could be out on False Creek for five or six hours before needing to be charged.
Pratt said it’s expensive to retrofit the boats but as the technology keeps changing it should become more cost effective, and although he hasn’t yet crunched the numbers he is banking on an eventual cost savings in fuel and engine repair.
“You’re taking out a handful of things that you don’t have to maintain anymore. Like there’s no transmission in the electric system. It’s just reverse and forward,” he said.
“I love mechanical stuff. So for me this project was fantastic.”
Pratt, 62, said his son and daughter also work for the business and he is excited for them to have a transition to an all-electric fleet in future — not that he’s planning on retiring any time soon.
Aquabus been serving False Creek and the surrounding area since its inception in June 1985 by owners Jeff and Margot Pratt, who initially operated just one boat. They quickly added three more boats just in time for Expo 86.
In 1995, they added the first Cyquabus, a boat able to carry bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs. They now have a fleet of 14 vessels, eight of which are Cyquabusses.
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CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
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Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
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