Mercury releases Avator 7.5e outboard motor
Mercury’s battery-fuelled push launches with the release of its first production electric motorOutboard engine maker Mercury has taken its first step into battery-fuelled technology, launching its first-ever consumer-friendly electric outboard engine, the Avator 7.5e.
The new portable engine features a 3.5hp output and uses a quick-connect 1.0kWh 48V lithium-ion battery that plugs into the top of the motor. You can easily extend the range of the electric motor just by packing extra lightweight batteries.
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The Avator 7.5e uses what Mercury says is an industry-first transverse flux motor that “generates high torque with little effort”. This design appears to give the Avator 7.5e more torque at lower revs when compared with other electric motor designs while keeping the overall package compact.
“And with an efficient overall design, the 7.5e outboard produces 750W of power at the prop shaft, while capable of speed and acceleration similar to that of a Mercury 3.5hp FourStroke combustion outboard,” Mercury claims.
The engine will be offered with a choice of three prop pitches that will depend on the application the electric motor will be used for.
The ambidextrous tiller allows the engine to be controlled from either side of the boat, and folds down to become a carry handle for when you want to take everything home. With the battery removed, the Avator 7.5e weighs less than 20kg.
For those who don’t want a tiller, a digital shift and throttle control will be an option.
Storage options
According to Mercury, the Avator 7.5e is designed to be stored at home or on a larger boat. The battery is recharged using a portable system that plugs into a standard US-based 100V wall plug, with a rapid charge system available as an option.
Other accessories include a custom-fit carry bag for the electric motor, battery carrying bag, davit lifting harness, transom lock, outboard cowl cover and spare batteries.
The Avator 7.5e includes a forward-facing electronic display that users can use to monitor battery health, or they can link the outboard motor to their smartphone using Mercury’s SmartCraft app to use other features that include maps with visualised range estimates and digital gauges.
The system comes with an IP67 “waterproof” rating. In terms of warranty, in the US Mercury is offering three years of cover including corrosion on the Avartor 7.5e, and two years on the lithium-ion batteries that power them.
However, while Mercury has launched the Avator 7.5e, it is not yet ready for sale. The outboard motor is also the first of three new Avator models that Mercury plans to launch this year, with five Avator-badged products expected on sale by the end of 2024.
Mercury is the first mainstream outboard engine brand to introduce battery-powered outboard motors to its product line-up.
Specifications
Model: Avator 7.5e
Power: 1000W (input)/750W (prop shaft)
Voltage: 48V, lithium-ion
Weight: 19.5kg (excluding battery)/26.6kg (including battery)
Battery: 1.0kWh
Propeller: 12.7x7.0-inch (std)
Shaft lengths: 381mm (15.0 inch)/508mm (20.0 inch)/635mm (25.0 inch)
Steering: Tiller or console/panel mount forward control
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