A compact transportable from ePropulsion
Until now, the ePropulsion range started at 1kW with the Spirit models. With the January 2024 launch of the eLite, at just 500W, the Chinese manufacturer is tackling the low-power segment with a model specially designed for transportable use. The eLite electric motor is designed for dinghies or small sailboats for uses requiring little power, despite a boost mode output of 750 W.
A modern design with a familiar look
Following in the footsteps of Remigo and Temo, ePropulsion also adopts a design with the battery integrated into the motor's vertical barrel, giving it a more sophisticated look than the historic Spirit range. However, the battery, with a capacity of 378 Wh and a range of 45 minutes at full power, cannot be removed. You'll need to recharge the motor directly, either on a 12 V, 110 V or 220 V mains supply, or via solar panels. A USB port can also be used to charge low-power electronic equipment. A display at the top of the motor relays key information on battery level, power and any alerts.
The motor's construction is truly compact, with dimensions of 297x75x890 mm. A rail allows the height of the motor and propeller to be adjusted in relation to the hull bottom to suit the boat in use.
The weight of the motor remains moderate, at 6.7 kilos without the chair and 7.7 kg with it. By comparison, the Temo 450 with its sculling design weighs just 4.9 kilos and 50W less.
A highly competitive engine
As usual, the Chinese motor manufacturer's price positioning is very aggressive. Offering a 500 W motor at ?1,099 incl. VAT, it's well below competitors' prices for equivalent sizes. The motor will be available on the European market in early March 2024.
While the design is quite appealing, we'll have to wait and see how the plastic parts around the tiller and motor head hold up over time, as their light weight should not compromise their sturdiness.
