Torqueedo launches latest-gen battery-fuelled electric engines

The system, which doubles the performance of the brand’s existing 50kW system, will also tap a new generation of batteries sourced from car-maker BMW and originally developed for the road-going i3 electric hatchback.

These batteries pack 30 per cent more energy into the same footprint, and now provide 40kWh from a full charge.

“Torqeedo’s Deep Blue product line offers the most powerful electric motor systems from industrial R&D and production,” the company said in a statement. “Up until now, 50kW was the maximum power available from a single Deep Blue motor. Twin installations could deliver a system power of up to 100kW.

“In 2019, Torqeedo launches new Deep Blue 100kW motors. Twin installations can now provide up to 200kW of power in a fully integrated drive system. The motors are available in two versions: a low-rpm version for displacement boats and a high-rpm version for planing boats.”

Torqueedo said the increase in energy density would also extend to its range of 24-volt batteries used to power its electric outboard motor range.

Next year, the company’s smaller Travel electric outboard motors will add a new model to the range called the 1103 C, equivalent to a 3hp outboard engine and suitable for boats up to 1500kg.

“The Travel 1103 C is the quietest motor in its class, due to a gearless direct drive and silence-focused engineering. It also features optimised throttle characteristics for improved control and enhanced mechanical robustness,” Torqueedo said.

Similar to the other smaller Travel engines, the 1103 C uses a clip-on lithium-ion battery that provides enough range to move a small RIB up to 74km at a glacial 2kt. Bump the speed up to a more useable 5.5kt, and the range is still at least 10km.

You can even connect it to a smartphone app that will turn your mobile device into a digital dashboard.

But Torqueedo is also having a crack at the growing sport of kayak fishing, launching the Ultralight 403, a new single-horsepower motor it says is easier to install, and control via a remote throttle. An optional battery will provide enough charge for the Ultralight motor to paddle the equivalent of 100km at 2.2kt between top-ups, which can come via solar panels.

It said the system offered “practical new features” including easy motor depth adjustment and quick release system to “remove or safely stow the motor for transport”.

The motor can be locked down for reverse, and remotely released so the automatic kick-up feature, which stops the engine from running aground, is reactivated.