For boats, electric motorization doesn't seem relevant a priori. In fact, the thrust required to reach high speeds is such that it necessitates very large battery banks. But the weight of these batteries penalizes performance. It's like the cat biting its own tail.
Unless you don't want your boat to go fast. In that case, electric propulsion comes into its own. That's why, for small boats like dinghies and small outboard motors, the electric motor is now the right choice.
At METS 2023, the world's leading equipment manufacturers' trade fair, we saw an increasing number of offers for electric outboard motors. In this field, the Chinese are quite present, but we can see that good ideas come from all over the world. We've pointed out these solutions, without judging them, just to list them, since we haven't tried them all. Here, then, is a catalog of possibilities, sorted by category. This "à la Prévert" list of more than 20 motor brands may not be complete, but it does give a good idea of what's on offer in this fast-changing market.
Outboard with integrated battery
Mercury Avator - USA
After the 7.5e (750 W), Mercury is expanding its brand with a 20e and a 35e. While the smaller model has a removable built-in battery, the larger models require on-board batteries.
Temo - France
This French manufacturer made a name for itself with its "sculling motor", but is now developing more powerful outboards in more traditional forms.
Parsun - China
Parsun offers low-power combustion engines, but this year it is launching the all-electric Joy 1.2.
Haswing - UK
Here's a solution that doesn't really have an elaborate design, but does incorporate a battery. This motor is the latest addition to our range of fishing boats.
Aquamot - Austria
This specialist in electric motors, outboards, pods and inboards offers outboards with integrated batteries for 1,300 and 1,800 W tenders.
Remigo - Slovenia
With its design, very similar to that adopted after them by Temo, Remigo develops a thrust of 1,000 W. Ideal for a tender, thanks to its built-in battery.
Torqeedo - Germany
This is undoubtedly the brand that has successfully positioned itself in this market for over 10 years. Today, the range is reliable and complete.
Ilmor Ion - USA
Why make an engine that looks like all the others? Ilmor Ion has chosen a different path.
e'Dyn - Slovenia
This specialist in electric propulsion for boats offers not only pods, but also outboards with power ratings up to 20 kW.
ePropulsion - China
EPropulsion's xSeries range from 12 to 40 kW. But only the smaller 1,000 W models feature an integrated battery.
Submerged motor with nothing in the drive head
Minn Kota - USA
Minn Kota has been the oldest brand of electric outboard motor since 1934. It mainly offers models designed for fishing. The white motors are designed for sea water.
eVision - Italy
Small motors, big bases: eVision will be well suited to boats and other dinghies.
Thermal base for electrical conversion
Tomking China
Take a combustion engine, remove the drive head and replace it with an electric motor, and you've got a Tomking outboard. On the outside, it looks just like its internal combustion cousin.
Elco - USA
The same goes for the Elco range: an electric in a thermal base. But there's no room for the battery, which you'll have to carry on board your boat
Big power
RAD propulsion - UK
With its 40 kW, fixed head and rotating base, and aggressive design, the RAD was all the rage at METS 2023.
Molabo Aries 50 - German
No less than 50kW for this German-developed outboard. A fine aesthetic achievement, with its meticulous design.
Electrine - South Korea
Up to 115 kW announced for this South Korean player. A complete range of outboards from 18 to 180 kW!
Evoy - Norway
The Evoy is called 300+ because it produces 225 kW, or 300 hp. Will it be the engine that replaces large single- or twin-powered petrol outboards?
eFalke - Switzerland
With its twin-propeller baseplate, the eFalke boasts 400 horsepower. Available as an outboard or inboard stern drive, this is the most powerful electric motor in our catalog.
Alternative propulsion
RIM Drive - Netherlands
It's no longer just a propeller that turns, but the entire outer ring, with blades all around. This product is available in outboards from 3 to 15 kW.
FinX - France
No propeller, no blade, just a fin that propels the water. The FinX is available as a 2 kW outboard.
Hygeneration - France
Hy-Génération develops 2018 permanent magnet electric thrusters. After the 6 kW RIM6, a RIM 14 is under development.
