In 1939, Mercury launched its first engine named Thor. It was a small 2.4 horsepower engine, which was the foundation of the American manufacturer's success. To take up the symbol, Mercury launched its first electric motor under the name Avator: Advanced Thor. The manufacturer's ambition is to develop this range in the same way as it has done with internal combustion engines for over 80 years.
A first model of 750 W
If we could see prototypes, notably at the Nautic in Paris in December 2022, now the first model is officially announced. It will be called Avator 7.5e. It is a 750 W motor intended for small boats: dinghy, fishing boat, kayakâeuros¦
750 W for 16,7 kg
The first figures on this outboard are starting to circulate. With 750 W, the 7.5e is equivalent in acceleration and top speed to a 3.5 horsepower 4 stroke. As for weight, a 3.5 horsepower 4-stroke weighs 18 kg, without fuel. The new Avator is announced at 16.7 kg without the battery and the transom support. Indeed, the 7 kg battery is easily removed and can be carried separately.
In addition, the transom support, 2.5 kg, can remain on the boat. It should be noted that Mercury has taken particular care in this phase of transport, since the tiller turns into a carrying handle. Clever!
A 1 kWh battery
As for autonomy, the Mercury was developed with the manufacturer Mastervolt, a group entity. The Avator 7.5e is equipped with a 1 kWh battery delivered with a 110W charger. This is sufficient to recharge the battery overnight. But a fast charger, total charge in 3,5 h, will be proposed in option. These chargers plug into a domestic outlet. With its proprietary battery - no question of using another one - the manufacturer announces interesting autonomies:
- 1 hour or 8 km at full speed
- 2.8 hours or 16 km at 75% power
- 6.2 hours or 26 km at 50% power
- 19.4 hours or 54 km at 25% power
These tests were carried out on a 4 m boat weighing 175 kg, but they show, for example, that a fisherman will be able to sail for a whole day, as one rarely sails at full speed on this size of boat. And given the ease of changing the battery, as with wireless handheld devices, a second battery can be purchased as an option if needed.
No price announced
The Avator 7.5e will be marketed in a single white color, as a kit with tiller or remote control and standard shaft lengths of 15, 20 and 25 inches. Pricing will not be announced until spring 2023 when it will be available. But we already know that Mercury is positioning its electric motor in a premium price range. Top of the range.
In addition to this 750 W model, which will be the first to be marketed, Mercury is already announcing the launch of the Avator 20e (2kW) and 35e (3.5 kW) during 2023. These models will be presented in January 2023 at the Dusseldorf trade fair.
