A Guide on Electric Outboard Motors
Manufacturers are producing hybrid propulsion and electric boats more often than ever. However, aside from the dedicated electric boat, there are more electric outboards. Is it possible to replace your gas-guzzler by an electric outboard Although the options may not be unlimited, there are some cases where the answer is yes.
The advantages of an electric outboard
While there are many advantages to electric outboards over gasoline-powered engines, the decision on which one is most important for you can vary greatly. While some people consider zero emission environmental friendliness to a major advantage, others may consider it a minor benefit. Some will argue that internal combustion is superior because it doesn't produce noise, vibration or fumes. An electric outboard is almost silent. You'll hear the hull rubbing against the water more than the outboard, which makes it more enjoyable to be on a boat. Some people love not having to stop at the gas station. This is not only more convenient but can also lead to financial savings in the long-term for those who use their boats frequently enough. Electric outboards require less maintenance than regular oil and filter changes.
The unexpected reliability and performance advantages of electric outboards are also evident. Electric motors generate their torque instantly you press the throttle. They can provide better acceleration and jump boats up onto planes faster than outboards that burn gasoline. You don't have to worry about fuel contamination and ethanol problems. You won't have to worry about fuel contamination or water contamination again.
Electric Outboards' Disadvantages
Although there are few downsides to using an electric outboard, they can be significant and, depending on your particular situation, even impossible with today's technology. First, the price barrier. The problem is not the motor, which can often be comparable to a gasoline engine's cost. The problem is the battery. The battery is the problem. Electric outboards require a lot of juice and the high-tech batteries required to power them can make outboard-battery packages extremely expensive. An electric package may cost twice as much for small models. However, the cost of an electric package for larger models can be five times as high or more than that of a gasoline motor of the same size.
Range is another issue that is bigger and more closely related. You need more batteries to get more range, which drives up the cost. No matter how many batteries are packed into a boat, you will never be able to match the range of an outboard on a planning poweredboat. This may not be a problem for a sailor who is looking to replace an outboard, or someone who has to operate a tender from dock to mooring, or a fisherman using a small jon boat on a lake. The range limitations of an electric outboard used as primary propulsion can be a problem for most boaters.
Batteries for Electric Outboards
We have already mentioned that the batteries required to power an electric motor outboard can drive up the cost and limit the range. This is often the Achilles heel of many power systems. Today's batteries are better than those available just a few decades ago.
Energy density is the most important factor when it comes to batteries. A pound gasoline has about three times the potential energy of a lead-acid battery and around 65 times that of the most recent LiFePO4 batteries. The flip side is that electric motors are typically twice as efficient than internal combustion engines. To generate the same amount of power as a pound gas, an electric motor, when paired up with the most powerful batteries available, will require 32.5 pounds.
A second problem with batteries is the fact that not all manufacturers of electric outboards make them. They sell their motors, leaving it up to the boater to find the right juice. This can be confusing, to put it mildly. This has been changing in recent years and some manufacturers now design outboards to work with specific power packs. Many manufacturers are now making small outboard batteries that can be clipped to the outboard and look almost like an outboard cowl. One of the most recent features is a drop-in slot to accommodate batteries at the motor's top. Manufacturers know that battery problems are a major barrier to electric outboard sales. As time passes, we will see more options for outboard and dedicated batteries to be sold in packages.
Electric outboards are now available
There are many small and large electric outboard producers. In recent years, some of the most prominent companies in the marine industry have started producing outboards that run on electricity instead of gasoline. There are many companies that have gone out of business in recent years, and you can still find them. However, the major players are:
Elco
Elco, founded in 1890, is the oldest manufacturer in the country of electric powerplants to boats. They have been making electric outboards since 1950. They make electric outboards with 5- to 50 horsepower that can be controlled remotely or by a tiller. Inboard motors up to 200 horsepower are also available. Third-party options can be used to provide remote control and battery options.
ePropulsion
ePropulsion produces a wide variety of electric outboards. These include electric inboards and pod drives. The outboards are available in three- to nine-horsepower ranges and can be charged with specific batteries/charger packs ranging from one to nine-kWh. The three-hp models include a clip-on lithium-ion battery that attaches to the shaft at the top. There are remote-control and tiller steer options. ePropulsion is the only electric outboard capable of hydro-generating electricity and feeding power back to the batteries. This is done by "feathering", which allows the prop to spin while a boat's sail is being pulled. The Spirit 1.0 Plus three-hp model was mounted on a small fishing vessel (the green and tan Sun Dolphin). We found it to be ideal for fishing in lakes, ponds and other areas where a distance of around 20 miles is sufficient. It is great to have a reliable outboard that emits no noise or fumes. The motor's stealthy nature makes it a bonus for trolling shallow waters in search of spooky fish.
Evoy
Evoy produces an outboard with both inboard and outdoor offerings. They currently have one outboard that is rated at 120-plus-hp. It comes with 63, 126, or 189-kWh battery packs. The app allows you to monitor charge status, trip logs and GPS data. Evoy claims they are currently developing engines that can produce 200, 300, and 400 horsepower. All of these engines will be available by 2024.
Flux Marine
Flux Marine, a newcomer to the market, is offering pre-orders for three electric outboards. It claims they will be available in the summer 2023. These outboards are available in three horsepower versions: the 15-, 40, and 70-hp models. They also come with modular battery packs and integrated management systems. We have yet to see real-world products from this company. However, it announced in 2022 that $15.5 million was secured for development and manufacturing. This is something to watch.
Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine first displayed their Avator7.5e electric outboard design at the 2021 Miami International Boat Show. We were also able to tank-test the prototype at the end 2022. The first production models will be available for purchase this year. Mercury has created a 1-kWh drop-in lithium-ion battery that fits into the motor's body and provides "similar acceleration and speed to Mercury's 3.5 HP FourStroke," according the company. A Tiller steer, side-mounted or binnacle mount remote controls with digital displays will also be made available. Mercury states that an Avator 20e or 35e will be available in 2023.
Pure Watercraft
Pure Watercraft makes the "Pure Outboard" product. It consists of an outboard that is rated to produce 50 horsepower. You can purchase it with either one or two 8.85-kWh Lithium-Ion battery packs and remote controls. The motor weighs in at 112-pounds and produces 25-kW. It also comes with a 16-inch prop with three blades.
Torqeedo
Torqeedo is one the most well-known and well-established manufacturers of electric outboards. They produce the largest range of motors on the market, including inboards, sail drives and pod drives. A wide variety of products are available with remote-control and tiller options. Torqeedo models with 3-hp or more have clip-on batteries. All of their offerings include fully integrated battery/battery management/charging programs. The largest model, the 80-hp Deep Blue matches up with a 350-volt, 38-kWh prismatic cell lithium-ion battery. This battery was developed in collaboration with BMW and is based on the battery from the BMW i3.
Vision Marine
Vision marine produces electric boats. It has one outboard offering, the 180hp 180E. Vision claims the outboard comes with a 70-kWh battery-pack, which Vision claims is highly scalable. It also includes controls and controls as well as a touchscreen interface and a battery management software. Vision currently sells only to OEM manufacturers, so the outboards cannot be retrofitted or repowered.
Yamaha
Yamaha Marine, a giant in outboard manufacturing, introduced the 9.9-hp Harmo electric outboard system in 2021. The Harmo, weighing in at 121 lbs, doesn't come with an outboard's motor mount. Instead, it bolts flush to the transom of a boat and looks similar to a stern drive. Yamaha claims that the Harmo can mount to any outboard-like application, including transoms or motor brackets for outboard power. Yamaha started shipping the Harmo this year. However, it won't be available for aftermarket orders and will only be installed as a package on new boats.
Future of Electric Outboards
Will your powerboat be powered one day by an electric outboard, or will it still be a planing boat? Although the odds are high that it will, the future is still far away. Batteries and the time it takes to improve energy density will be the biggest variables.
However, until then, electric outboards will still be able to surpass gas power in many short-range, low-horsepower applications. They are ideal for small boats that travel less than 12 miles on lakes or ponds. These outboards are great for auxiliary power in sailboats. They are great for tender use and short-haul power. They are also useful in low-speed commercial operations such as water taxis. Over time, enough fuel is saved to make the initial investment worthwhile.
Many boaters don't know if they'll ever have an electric outboard. It's more about when.
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