Tohatsu, Ilmor to develop new electric outboard motor family

The first product from the newly formed relationship is a 6.0kW outboard motor with integrated tilt and trim, a console-mounted gauge-style touchscreen, and a choice of shafts and props.

Images of the new motor show a slimline design that appears to use an external battery to power it. The motor also uses a conventional steering system and a large four-bladed propeller – electric motors produce peak torque almost as soon as they start spinning, so getting enough bite on the water at low revs to push the boat along is important.

Images show the new motor pushing along an aluminium skiff as well as powering a small pontoon boat. The tilt allows the motor to sit out of the water similar to a conventional outboard engine.

According to Tohatsu, the collaboration with Ilmor “centres around the creation of a premier line of electric products that will set a new standard”.

Tohatsu is Japan’s oldest outboard engine maker. US-based Ilmor Marine, meanwhile, builds a range of performance-focussed inboard sterndrive and shaft drive engines, specifically for customers such as ski and wake boat specialist MasterCraft. Its engines are also developed for motorsport applications, including motorcycles.

Early last year, Ilmor teased it was working on a new electric outboard motor it called the ION, a 7.0kW continuous power unit that looks very similar in design to the one teased by Tohatsu.

Ilmor’s version of the motor is based on a 48-volt system, has integrated LED lighting that can change colour to match the boat it is bored onto, and can be configured for either lithium-ion or lead-acid battery systems.

However, it is shown with either a three-bladed or five-bladed propeller.

The first product from the partnership, the 6.0kW entry-level motor, is expected to launch later this year.