Electric boating becomes more viable with Evoy’s 150hp outboard engine
A Norwegian company that wants to become the Tesla of the water has announced it plans to bring a 150hp outboard-mounted electric motor onto the market by early next yearBigger boats will soon have similar potential to cars to convert to battery power, with Norwegian electric outboard engine maker Evoy announcing a 150hp version will soon go on sale.
However, before anyone goes running to the nearest electrical store to stock up on batteries, the engine initially will be optimised for Zodiac inflatable boats before it moves to other applications.
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The new 150hp Evoy electric outboard will go on sale early next year. They will initially be used by Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten to power a fleet of military-specification Zodiac RIBs that are used to ferry cruise ship passengers to activities.
Evoy will build the electric motor, while the engine’s lower leg will be provided by a Norwegian company that converts Zodiac products for military and commercial use. However, the electric motor will be tuned down to 115hp for the inflatable boats.
The engine was to have made its world debut in Norway last week. However, the event at which it was to be unveiled was postponed due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
Evoy already builds inboard electric propulsion systems of up to 900hp for boats ranging from 6-12 metres in length. It uses specially-developed battery modules hidden under the RIB's floor to power the motors.
Evoy has already set an electric boat record, with its prototype 90hp electric outboard motor pushing a boat along to a top speed of 55 knots.
Evoy said the growing interest in eco-adventure cruising was behind the push for the 150hp electric outboard motor.
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