E-lixr, a burgeoning electric water taxi service founded by Sam Payrovi and Nathalie Paiva, has announced a pivot in its business strategy. Originally aiming to launch the first nationwide network of all-electric water taxis in the U.S., the company now intends to create a global network of electric waterborne operators. Through a unified platform, E-lixr will empower both new and existing fleet operators to modernize, decarbonize, and streamline their operations, facilitating a faster, more scalable transition to sustainable marine transport.
Founded in 2023, E-lixr initially set out to test the waters with electric water taxis in Miami. The company rolled out its “Pre-lectric service” in the fall of 2024, using traditional Axopar vessels as a precursor to its full transition to an all-electric fleet. However, in a significant update, E-lixr now prioritizes a collaborative, platform-based approach to grow its reach beyond Miami, forming a robust international network of electric water taxi and ferry operators. The company aims to make electric waterborne transportation accessible worldwide, offering fleet operators a suite of tools and resources to launch and maintain sustainable services.
As part of this strategy shift, E-lixr will provide approved fleet operators with access to electric boats, financing options, tech platforms for ticketing and routing, and support for marketing, charging infrastructure, and legal compliance. The company envisions an ecosystem where rider, captain, and host applications are integrated into one platform, enabling seamless operations from booking to onboard services. E-lixr also plans to facilitate first- and last-mile connections by partnering with land-based rideshare services, making it easier for passengers to complete their journeys in a single transaction.
Recognizing the need for a diverse fleet to meet varying operational needs, E-lixr intends to partner with global OEMs, approve their vessels for operations within its network, and help establish a U.S. production hub to expedite electric boat adoption. Initially focusing on Miami, the company plans to expand to other U.S. cities and eventually transition operations to third-party operators, allowing E-lixr to concentrate on its international growth and environmental impact. Co-founder and CEO Sam Payrovi emphasized that the new business model would expedite the transition to electric waterborne transportation, benefiting both operators and the environment.