Coastlines, lakes, and rivers have been bearing the brunt of increased human activity, as more people use recreational boats with gas engines, taking a higher ecological toll.
Despite the relatively low greenhouse gas (GHG) impact compared to other industries, the cumulative effects of these small craft pose a significant threat to our ecosystems.
TEMO is a France-based boat motor company with a mission to address three pressing environmental concerns: CO2 emissions, hydrocarbon leakage, and noise emissions.
TEMO presents two standout products: the TEMO450 and the TEMO1000.
The TEMO450, introduced in 2020 for small boats has already achieved 4,500 units sold. Weighing a mere 5 kilograms, its sleek tubular design with a built-in battery is designed for transportation and usage.
The TEMO1000 was launched in July 2023 with plans for 350 shipments by year-end and two patents under its belt.
This latest addition, well-received by the market and distributors, positions itself as an alternative to the relatively rustic Torqeedo & ePropulsion motors, emphasizing design, quality, and consumer services.
TEMO envisions broader applications, exploring rotative motors and hydro-generators, underscoring their commitment to innovation. As battery performance continues to improve in terms of density and price per kWh, TEMO is at the forefront of propelling electric propulsion into larger boats, contributing to a more sustainable future in marine technology.
Their technology surpasses the few competitors because of their maneuverability. They have focused on a system that differs because of their non-symmetric wing, 3 blades, and a system that can connect to the boat hull.
Other differentiation points:
TEMO's innovation extends to a one-click start feature, providing users with instant torque without the need to pull a starter, enhancing the overall efficiency and ease of use of its electric motors. In conclusion, TEMO’s products are designed so the entire user experience, from storage to water propulsion, is pleasurable.
When compared to other electric outboard engines currently on the market, the TEMO450 is both less expensive and easier to use.
The unit price of the TEMO1000 is currently more expensive than its competition. However, the TEMO1000 has multiple options, it can be an outboard or inboard/pod motor.
Outboard engines are set at the end and exterior part of the boat. On the other hand, inboard engines are often placed underneath the boat and need to be installed by a professional.
The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is clearly cheaper for the inboard as the average installation cost for a gas engine is 100 times more expensive than what TEMO offers.
Currently, TEMO manufactures their products mostly in France. So far their primary goal was to achieve the highest quality, which set their manufacturing line to be more costly and less scalable.
From what we learned during due diligence, we know there is work that can be done to substantially improve their assembly throughput. This will enable TEMO to reach price parity on their outboard and promote higher margins on their future line of inboard engines.
TEMO's engines have an impressive environmental profile by emitting zero leakage and minimal noise. At One Ventures’ main focus is marine noise reduction.
TEMO’s total addressable impact would be removing 37% of all motor marine sounds based on At One’s approximative calculations. The minimal sound output contributes to a quieter coastal atmosphere, reducing noise pollution and promoting marine health.
Research shows that recreational boats emit frequencies akin to those used in aquatic ecosystems. Underwater noise affects fish communication, disrupting crucial signals related to reproduction, feeding, and parenting.
While some fish may adapt over time at a constant decibel, the pervasive impact remains a significant concern. This similarity underscores the urgency of addressing the underwater noise issue, emphasizing the need for sustainable solutions to safeguard the communication systems vital for the well-being of aquatic life.
TEMO would also avoid large release of hydrocarbons. The absence of leakage signifies efficient and clean operation, minimizing any adverse impact on the environment. Hydrocarbons are impacting the marine environment in many different ways. Adult fish may experience reduced growth, enlarged livers, changes in heart and respiration rates, fin erosion, and reproduction impairment. Fish eggs and larvae can be especially sensitive to lethal and sublethal impacts.
This combination of eco-friendly features makes TEMO's engines instrumental in efforts to restore and promote the well-being of coastal ecosystems, reefs, rivers, lakes and more.
This industry faces the scarcity of impact data, hindering comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation strategies. The absence of quantifiable metrics impedes our ability to assess the true extent of environmental degradation caused by these gas engines. In response, At One and TEMO are committed to collaborating and supporting research endeavors aimed at collecting precise, quantitative data.
TEMO has established a strong retail presence with over 90% of products sold online, as well as presence in 250 stores in 26 countries, reaching €2M in revenue in 2023.
Key distribution partnerships include agreements with major French distributors Uship and AD, while impending contracts with West Marine in the US and SVB in Germany further solidify TEMO's market position.
TEMO's corporate strategy has gained momentum with interest from prominent shipyards and OEMs, including inquiries from Renault and Yanmar. This signifies a promising avenue for partnerships and further market penetration.
Alexandre Seux (Co-founder & CEO) has over 10 years in the maritime sector and 30 years of sailing experience. He leads product development and industrialization, having held previous development roles at Ocean Voyager and Sail Lanka Charter. Alexandre has entrepreneurial and technical marketing degrees from EDHEC and the University of Rouen.
Justine Perussel (Co-founder & General Manager) is overseeing sales, marketing and administration. She hs over 10 years of international sales experience and holds a degree in communication from EFAP.
Both co-founders share a deep passion for the marine industry and a commitment to making an environmental difference. Alexandre's three decades in the boat industry have fueled his determination to address the impact of gas motors. Justine's childhood dream of becoming an oceanographer aligns with TEMO's environmental goals, driving the company's growth.
They have successfully assembled a diverse group of 13 professionals covering R&D, supply chain, customer services, and sales and marketing. Striking a balance between marketing and R&D/engineering, they aim to foster organic business growth.
