Electric outboards gain power and range.
By Gregg Mansfield
Whether the local waterway has restrictions on gasoline-powered engines or you want a smaller environmental footprint, electric marine motors are the perfect solution. The motors allow for quiet and pollution-free boating.
Today’s electric propulsion offers higher horsepower, built-in GPS and extended range. Another bonus is electric outboards don’t need an oil change or to be winterized. Buyers have more choices than ever, making it easier to find the right electric propulsion.
Yamaha Marine
Yamaha’s new HARMO electric outboard has a 9.9 horsepower gasoline-powered equivalent rating, ideal for environmentally sensitive waterways. The 3.7 kW Harmo outboard has integrated digital electric and 140-degree steering angle for responsive steering. Twin engines are compatible with Helm Master EX.
HARMO owners can choose between lithium-ion and Yamaha-approved traditional batteries. The Stage of Charge (SoC) battery status on the gauge allows boaters to keep tabs on the power level.
Weighing 141 pounds, Yamaha offers the electric outboard in 20- and 25-inch shaft lengths. HARMO uses a conventional mounting bracket and a low-profile rigging tube to fit most transoms and pontoons.
Tohatsu
The ALARIS MEP6.0A tiller handle model is the latest to join Tohatsu’s electric outboard lineup. With a 6kW output, the electric outboard reflects a partnership between Tohatsu and Ilmor Marine.
The new tiller model features an integrated power and tilt trim. The advanced tiller handle has a throttle position sensor for precise control and adjusted tension. A 4.6” touchscreen display with built-in GPS provides speed, battery state of charge, throttle percentage and gear indicator.
The ALARIS MEP6.0A offers flexible battery configurations including lithium, lead-acid or AGM battery. Tohatsu offers its only electric outboard in a 15”, 20” or 25” transom height.
Ilmor Marine played a significant role in designing and developing the electric outboard series, which was announced at the 2024 Miami International Boat Show.
ePropulsion
Building on the ePropulsion Smart System Architecture, ePropulsion expanded its 96V offerings for 2025. New to market are the Pod Drive 20 eSSA, G102-230 battery and a comprehensive modularized energy system solution PowerCruise Essential for small electric and hybrid vessels.
The Pod Drive 20 eSSA combines the motor, propeller and cooling system into a sleek unit that mounts beneath the hull. Not only does the Pod Drive free up interior space, it eliminates the need for an inboard engine and shaft drive.
The new G102-230 battery stores 23kWh and delivers about 3,500 charge cycles when used at 80 percent of its full capacity. Up to eight batteries can be linked together for more power. The battery works with ePropulsion’s 96-volt motors ranging from 10 to 40 kilowatts, including the X-Series, I-Series, and Pod Drive eSSA models. Its slim shape allows for under-seat storage.
The PowerCruise Essential developed by ePropulsion for electric and hybrid vessels. The system can offer different functions such as automatic power management or hybrid control, as well as AC or DC power needs.
Torqeedo
Torqeedo electric outboards are now being sold through select full-line Yamaha dealerships in Canada. Torqeedo models range from ultralight outboards for kayaks to cruise models for small boats in the 9.9-to-25 horsepower-equivalent range.
Yamaha’s decision to offer Torqeedo at its dealerships came after the Japanese company acquired all shares of Torqeedo in early 2024. The acquisition bolsters Yamaha’s electric propulsion offerings and supports the company’s multi-technology approach to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Torqeedo’s product lineup includes outboards, inboards, pod drives, and hybrid systems, with power outputs ranging from 0.5 to 200 kW.
Mercury Avator 75 & 110e
Two new entries to the Mercury Avator line are the 75e and 110e electric outboards, the company’s most powerful electric outboards. Intended for aluminum fishing boats, compact pontoons, and small fiberglass runabouts,it’s available in tiller and remote-control models. Avator75’s Multi-Purpose Tiller Handle adjusts up, down, left, or right for comfortable steering from any position, with either the left or right hand. Folded, it transforms into a convenient carrying handle. At the helm, digital remote controls accommodate a variety of mounting locations. The display properly monitors battery charge and range. Avator’s composite three-blade propeller is available in three pitches.
The Quick-Connect kWh lithium-ion battery is cable-free. It slides under the flip-up cowling. An available spare battery swaps into place for an extended range in mere seconds. Heart and soul of this whispering beast is its Transverse Flux Motor. This industry-first transverse flux motor, not to be confused with a time traveler’s flux capacitor, generates high torque with quick acceleration. The 7.5e outboard runs four times quieter at wide-open throttle than a noisy 3.5 hp four-stroke. Boost Mode cranks up torque up to 20.
www.mercurymarine.com/us/en/engines/electric/avator
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