Startup E-lixr has announced the launch of a pilot program in Miami designed to showcase the viability of electric water taxis as a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicular transport in congested urban areas. The Miami pilot program marks a significant step forward for E-lixr as the company aims to test the operational efficiency of its electric water taxis, gather customer feedback, and demonstrate the environmental benefits of switching to electric marine propulsion.

“Customer feedback will be integral in iterating our service offering,” said Nathalie Paiva, Co-founder and CXO (Chief Xperience Officer) for E-lixr. “It will influence everything from the scheduling and routing of the taxis to the onboard amenities and the functionality of the booking app. Continuous interaction through surveys and direct feedback channels will help us tailor the service to better meet the needs of our users.”

The program will also monitor emissions reductions and energy savings, demonstrating the environmental benefits of electric propulsion compared to traditional watercraft. Metrics for success include the number of trips taken, passenger volume, and the effectiveness of scheduling and routes.

In conjunction with the pilot, E-lixr is launching an investor roadshow to support its capital raise. The company is targeting a raise of $1.5 million.

“The funds will be allocated towards scaling our fleet of electric water taxis, expanding operational infrastructure, enhancing our technology platform, and conducting further R&D into advanced marine propulsion technologies,” explained Sam Payrovi, Co-founder & CEO of E-lixr.

The capital will also allow E-lixr to increase the number of water taxis in operation, expand docking and charging infrastructure, and refine the technology platform to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. E-lixr is targeting investors who are aligned with the company’s mission to promote sustainability and innovation in urban mobility, including venture capital firms, private equity investors, and individuals focused on green technology.

The rising demand for sustainable alternatives in urban mobility makes E-lixr’s offering highly attractive to investors, added Payrovi: “We project robust growth in ridership and operational cities over the next five years. The capital raise will enable us to expand our fleet and operational scope, streamline our technology for global scalability, and solidify our position as leaders in urban marine electrification.”

With a focus on electric-powered vessels, E-lixr overall mission is to reduce carbon emissions and pollution, not only from other transport vessels, but also by replacing road congestion, contributing to a healthier urban environment, and supporting Miami’s transition to sustainable transportation.

Early in September, the company announced the solution for Miami’s urban congestion and environmental challenges with its alternative to traditional road transportation by using Biscayne Bay’s waterway. It says that Miami is ranked among the top 25 cities experiencing the most substantial rise in commute times over the past ten years, with the average commute duration approaching 58 min.

“The post-pandemic world has shifted how people view and use public and private transport, with greater emphasis on health, safety, and personal space,” said Paiva.

E-lixr’s water taxi service is designed to address these changes, offering a more comfortable and enjoyable transportation experience, and encouraging users to rediscover the pleasure in their commutes.

Payrovi, with entrepreneurial success in ventures like Saintly Bags, Consortium, CSTM Haus, and Arkhaus, and Paiva, with a background in luxury brand management including her tenure at LVMH, are supported by Aaron Leatherwood, as E-lixr’s Director of Marine Operations.

As the former CEO of the RMK Merrill Stevens shipyard, Leatherwood brought the shipyard back to life. As a marine engineer and project manager, he has many years of successful vessel refits, maintenance, and repairs. He will guide not only the development of the E-lixr vessel but also the infrastructure development and vessel operations.

The imminent launch of E-lixr’s pilot service coincides with the start of Miami’s busy season. Labeled the “Pre-lectric” service, it will initially feature two Axopar vessels as premium water taxis, ensuring a seamless, weather-protected, and comfortable ride. In 2025, the company said it will introduce the nation’s first all-electric waterborne transportation service powered by zero-emissions E-lixr vessels.

Customers can book rides on the pilot service through an online platform offering real-time booking, route customization, and immediate confirmation. In preparation for the launch, crews and customer service teams will undergo extensive training to ensure top-quality service. Docking stations at strategic locations around Miami will be finalized, and the booking system will be fully integrated to handle customer inquiries and bookings efficiently.

In addition to the pilot, the company will be participating in two October Tech Week events. San Francisco Tech Week, October 14-18, and LA Tech Week, October 21-25, offer an opportunity to showcase E-lixr’s solution to a broader audience of investors, industry professionals, and sustainability advocates. The company says that San Francisco, known for its tech-forward community and progressive green policies, and Los Angeles, which grapples with traffic congestion and pollution, are ideal venues for promoting urban marine electrification.

Interested Miami residents, commuters, and tourists can sign up via the E-lixr website or directly book a ride once the service is operational. To learn more about E-lixr, and to sign up for updates on their pilot service, visit https://elixr.miami/.