Pioneering, world leading, ePropulsion electric direct drive motors can power everything from a SUP or kayak, through to passenger vessels and 50’ + ocean cruising catamarans.  Enriching the boating experience, whilst providing a clean, sustainable and eco-friendly atmosphere for marine life and the surrounding environment. The direct drive means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power. Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance-free, highly efficient and economic to run. Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail.  As well as being environmentally kinder to the oceans the highly efficient lithium ion batteries are recyclable too.
  
  • What size and type of boats can use electric power?
Electric power is used by a whole host of boats and vessels – from small tenders up to passenger ferries.
Different types of motor suits different boats. ePropulsion has electric solutions from portable outboard motors, long range and more powerful outboards able to power boats up to 5 tonnes, and inboard POD drive electric motors for day sailers up to 50’ ocean going cruising boats.
  • Are electric engines as powerful as marine combustion engines?
Yes they are. There is often confusion between electric power measured in kWh (kilo watt) and traditional engines measured in HP (horse power). Due to the immediate torque produced by electric motors from 0 rpm and upwards, the kWh as a measure does not really compare with the HP measure used for internal combustion engines. The kWh is a measure of input power, and HP is a measure of output power. Compared to an electric engine with a direct drive, the action of engine (gearings, propeller shaft etc) considerably erodes the power efficiency of oil based fuel and the actual power output at the propellor. For example, 15kW electric power provides the same torque as a 40hp Yanmar diesel engine. For the time being, this is how the market is comparing it, and how the ePropulsion engines broadly equate:
ePropulsion Motors:  Similar To:
Spirit 1.0 Plus outboard 1kWh motor 3.5 hp outboard motor
POD Drive or Navy 6.0 Evo 6kWh 9.9 hp motor or outboard
POD Drive or Navy 3.0 Evo 3kWh motor 6 hp motor
  • Increased power for inboard propulsion can be achieve by fitting twin POD drives. How far can you go with an electric outboard or motor?
The distance you can go is determined by the size of and number of batteries you have.
Your speed affects your motoring range. Lower speeds use less energy and motoring permanently at full throttle will use most power.
Your range is also influenced by sea state, currents and windage, as with all boating under power, plus your ability to regenerate battery charge whilst underway.
For cruising sailboats your engine is an auxiliary source power, for either when there is no wind, the wind is from the wrong angle or for the start and end of a voyage – leaving your berth or anchorage.
Range examples:
24’ sailboat – set up with 3kWh motor + 9kWh battery (1 x E Series 175)
5 knots = 30 miles, 6 hours
7 knots = 21 miles, 3 hours
30’ sailboat – set up with 6kWh motor + 18kWh battery (2 x E Series 175)
5 knots = 50 miles, 10 hours
7 knots = 21 miles, 3 hours
    
The ePropulsion motors can be used with up to 16 x 9kWh batteries with give 144  hours of motoring at full power, on the most popular model the Spirit 1.0 Plus outboard motor.
  • How do you recharge an electric motor for boating?
Batteries can be recharged at any level of charge without any damaging effects happening to the cells.
All batteries option can be charged with solar or hybrid generated power whilst they are simultaneously in use and discharging power.
Batteries are available with a range of charging options, including 240V chargers that plug into mains power, either at home or on a marina berth standard power supply.
Batteries can also be recharged by:
solar power supply – such as a fixed or portable solar panel
other onboard power sources – such as a generator powered by wind, diesel, petrol or hydrogen
using the hydro-regeneration capability on sailing boats, where at over 4 knots of boat speed the propeller automatically recharges the batteries
 
  • What happens if you run out of electric power out at sea?
Rather like filling your engine with fuel, or recharging your car, it’s about planning ahead for the voyage you are undertaking. It’s un-seamanlike to set off with insufficient fuel or water on board for any voyage and this is no different for electric power.
Just the same as you might call into a port or marina for fuel, water and provisions, you’ll call in for recharging.
Set up for your planned voyages by having:
Sufficient batteries on board for the trip you have in mind – eg a cross channel under motor
Combine battery power with regeneration options on board – such as hydro generation whilst sailing, solar or wind power supplies
Hybrid sources – such as a generator (diesel or hydrogen) or portable brief case sized generator for a specific trip, on board as a back-up power supply
 
  • Where can you recharge your electric outboard or POD drive?
Plug into a 16 amp normal mains power supply at a marina and recharge overnight. More marinas, such as MDL, are increasingly providing dedicated 32 and 64 amp fast charging facilities for their berth holders and visitors.
What does DOD stand for?
Depth of Discharge is defined as the capacity that is discharged from a fully charged battery, divided by the battery's nominal capacity.  Depth of discharge is normally expressed as a percentage.  80% depth of discharge refers to how much battery you use in between charges, for instance, if you have a 100 kWh battery, a 80 kWh depth of discharge is 80% of the battery's total capacity.  Most deep cycle batteries are built to handle a 50% depth of discharge, but some can handle up to 80% discharge.
  • Can the battery be recycled when it reaches the end of its battery life?
Yes!
All ePropulsion batteries are fully recyclable. They are either repurposed for another job or reconditioned for continued use.
After Lithium has been used in a battery cathode, it can be used again and again. Oil and it’s bi-products such as sulphur cannot be reused.
Are the raw materials being mined for battery use harmful for the environment?
No mining is particularly good for the environment, be it tin, copper, coal or oil. However, mankind has been mining and drilling for 1000s of years, in particular most recently for oil to power cars, make plastics and other non-recyclable bi-products for use in the developed world.
There have been numerous disasters for the oceans and environment caused by the mis-handling of oil or accidents at oil rigs.
There have been no incidents of lithium accidentally contaminating the oceans due to mining or shipping incidents.
  • Does it make economic sense to convert an existing boat to a POD Drive?
Installing an electric motor reduces running costs and maintenance, especially when using renewable recharging supplies, such as solar or hydro generation. In addition to be being kinder to the environment, and not requiring fuel, oil, new parts or servicing, it will release considerable space on board which can be used for other purposes. See our comparison chart:  
Example Boat Type New Diesel Engine  ePropulsion POD Drive
21' sailing boat Yanmar 1 Saildrive £5799

POD Drive 3.0 + 1x E80 E-Series Battery & Controls £4625

Same with an E175 E-Series Battery £6450

Additional extras

Coolant systems

Fuel tanks

Exhaust systems

Options:

Solar Panel

Generator (portable or fixed)

Wind generator

Fuel costs

Marine diesel £1.04/litre

0.15p/kW

Maintenance

Annual servicing and repairs

None

 
Example Boat Type New Diesel Engine

 ePropulsion POD Drive

Rapier 550 Catamaran
12 ton
2 x Yanmar saildrive
£20,156 – motors only

2 x POD 6.0 Evo – 36kWh (4 x E175 battery) and controls £

Maintenance Annual servicing and repairs

None

Winterising Annually

None

Spare parts Per service / repair

None – unless needed due to accidental damage

 
  • How do the costs compare between electric & petrol outboard motors?
Outboard Motors: Mercury 4 stroke  ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus
Price £700 £1800
Additional Extras

Petrol - each trip

Fuel cans

Optional: Solar charger £90
Running Costs:
Fuel costs (@Cowes Harbour) Petrol @ £1.54/Litre

0.15p/kWh

Sunshine £0.00

Maintenance

Annual service ~ £200

+Repairs as required

 

None
Winterising

Annually~£125

None
Spare parts

Per service/repair

None
  • When will my outboard arrive?
Message from ePropulsion.uk "We keep all our dealers updated when their orders are expected to arrive. Please contact your dealer for information relating to your order.
With the effect of the pandemic and Brexit there are issues with product supply and shipping affecting many sectors including the marine leisure industry. We are all doing our best endeavours to overcome these, so please be patient. We will supply each dealer with their orders just as soon as they arrive."