I received the Autumn 2008 issue of the "Electric Boat News" (it takes a while to find its way down-under) and there is an article on "the world's first solar powered stern wheeler". A pity she is in alloy and not a classic 19th century river boat. But obviously she has a job to do.
Have a look: http://www.spanglefish.com/newera/index.asp?pageid=68850
For those with a technical mind there is another page all you need to know:
http://www.spanglefish.com/newera/index.asp?pageid=70178
There is also a YouTube link showing this interesting design in action. Twin motors allowing the hull to turn it its own length. Pity the back-up outboard is a 2 stroke.
Rob

I stumbled onto the "New Era" myself a few weeks ago . It is a pretty interesting boat. I bet it is pretty nice not to hear any engine noise, just the sound of the wheels. looks like it would be an expensive project though. 

There are two commercial electric launches operating not far from home:

EMV Rubeena plies Lake Tyers, and is operating again (new owners) after a lapse of a couple of years.  It is a 1912 launch, reengined.
www.rubeenacruises.com.au/

Another is on Lake Burley Griffin: EL Cygnet.
www.lakecruises.com.au/lakecruises.htm

Meanwhile, Ballarat is slashing the grass of former Lake Wendouree with internal-combustion machines, not electric mowers.

Regards,
Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

Here where I live in Hangzhou, China all but the largest tour boats that frequent West Lake & Xiang Lake, except for the man-powered sanpans, are electric.





Xianghu, which is just a few minutes from our home, has the distinction of being where one of the oldest known boat discoveries with a dugout canoe dating back to 5,500BC. 

Chuck