Best Electric Motor Choices On The Market
With more and more areas banning the use of combustion motors all over the world, boating enthusiasts have to turn to electric motors which is an environmentally friendly option. Electric motors have evolved and improved over the years and they might soon become an immovable part of the entire boating industry. There are a lot of types of motors on the market that run on electric power that can be used for freshwater and saltwater adventures. Getting the absolute best electric boat motor for your needs will ensure you have the most fun on your family boating trip or your favorite fishing spots. Before we reveal the best electric motors let’s take a look at some of the features that make electric motors great.
Electric motors are picking up quite nicely and they become more and more powerful as the years go by. Electric motors are much quieter than other boat motors. One feature that is excellent for fishing is that it makes no noise so it won’t scare the fish away. Electric outboard motors are also easier to maintain because they have direct-drive technology. That means there are fewer moving parts which reduce the amount of time you spend on maintenance. Another great perk of electric motors is that they are much cleaner. You won’t stain your clothes, deck, or hands with greasy dirt if you get an electric motor. The final feature that makes electric motors a better choice is that they are environmentally friendly and don’t produce exhaust smells and fumes. This is not just good for the environment but your health as well.
Torqeedo is a company that is well known in the industry. They make some of the best electric motors for boating. They have a unique system of electronic controls that conserves energy and increases the range of your motor. Their batteries are from BMW.
Their most popular option is the Cruise 10 electric boat motor which goes for $8,999. It is about 14 hp or 10 kW. However, the software used in the torqeedo electric motors improves the performance and it can be compared to a 20 hp engine. The battery of the cruise 10 is 5,000 Wh lithium-ion and it’s IP67 waterproof. The battery power and range can be increased by connecting two or more batteries to the same engine.
Another great choice from Torqeedo is the Travel 1003 electric motor which comes with a smart onboard computer. One of the features is the ability to track the battery level and estimate how far you can go using GPS technology. The system also notifies you constantly about your power usage, speed, and battery power. This option isn’t as powerful as the previous one so it would be a perfect fit for a small boat if you are not looking to go too fast. The battery can last for about 11 hours when fully charged. If you want to go faster the battery won’t last as long. There’s an option to get solar panels for the motor so you can charge it when you’re on the water. There’s a 2-year warranty on the motor and the power of it is 3 hp.
ePropulsion is another company that has made its way to the top of electric boat motors manufacturing. They have a variety of electric engines that are well built and professionally designed.
This electric motor is 10 hp, and a very powerful option. The Navy 6.0 can move a relatively large boat without any particular struggles. Unlike trolling motors, this engine has a very impressive range because the battery lasts for a long time. It usually takes about 40 miles before your battery is empty and you have to recharge. With this engine, you have the option to take an extra battery with you and replace it when the original one is out. There are many LED batteries and lithium batteries from other companies that are compatible. One really useful feature this engine has is the immediate stop of the propeller if it hits something. This feature will save any major damage to your motor in case you hit a rock.
Related: How to Remove a Boat Propeller
If you have a smaller boat and you are not a fan of high horsepower, the Spirit 1.0 is the motor for you. It’s a fairly cheap option that will last you for a long time and is also power efficient. This electric motor can last for about 8 hours if you run it on ¼ of the maximum power. The motor comes with a solar panel that can charge your battery when you are out on the water although it is a bit slow.
Elco is a famous company that builds electric outboard motors. They have a variety of options ranging from 6 to 100 hp. One of the best options from Elco is their EP 70 inboard engine. It costs just under $16,000 but it’s worth the price if you are looking for a stable solution. It can go up to 10 mph and its range is between 23 and 41 miles. This electric motor works with nine 8-D 12 volt AGM batteries but it can work with lithium-ion batteries too. The lithium-ion option would provide you with a more efficient solution for powering your electric boat motor.
Minn Kota is a well-known and respected manufacturer of electric outboard motors. They’ve been in this business since 1934. One of their best electric motors is The Vantage. This motor is their most popular option and one of the best. The motor costs $1,549 which is very affordable. One feature that makes this option great is the digital controller that is set up for maximum efficiency to achieve optimum range. It’s also made to be very accessible as you can easily switch between neutral, forward, and reverse speeds. This is a 24 volts motor that is compatible with any battery that can produce 48 volts. This electric motor is a very good option if you are on a tight budget and you don’t have a huge boat.
Opting to replace your old gas or combustion motor with an electric one is a great idea. There are so many advantages to electric motors such as cleanliness, reduced maintenance, and environment-friendly. The best electric boat motors are also very quiet and don’t emit any fumes that can be harmful to you and other people on your boat. They cost a bit more but they are worth the price in the long haul.
Why Pick an Electric Motor?
Electric motors are picking up quite nicely and they become more and more powerful as the years go by. Electric motors are much quieter than other boat motors. One feature that is excellent for fishing is that it makes no noise so it won’t scare the fish away. Electric outboard motors are also easier to maintain because they have direct-drive technology. That means there are fewer moving parts which reduce the amount of time you spend on maintenance. Another great perk of electric motors is that they are much cleaner. You won’t stain your clothes, deck, or hands with greasy dirt if you get an electric motor. The final feature that makes electric motors a better choice is that they are environmentally friendly and don’t produce exhaust smells and fumes. This is not just good for the environment but your health as well.
6 Best Electric Motors
Torqeedo
Torqeedo is a company that is well known in the industry. They make some of the best electric motors for boating. They have a unique system of electronic controls that conserves energy and increases the range of your motor. Their batteries are from BMW.
Their most popular option is the Cruise 10 electric boat motor which goes for $8,999. It is about 14 hp or 10 kW. However, the software used in the torqeedo electric motors improves the performance and it can be compared to a 20 hp engine. The battery of the cruise 10 is 5,000 Wh lithium-ion and it’s IP67 waterproof. The battery power and range can be increased by connecting two or more batteries to the same engine.
Another great choice from Torqeedo is the Travel 1003 electric motor which comes with a smart onboard computer. One of the features is the ability to track the battery level and estimate how far you can go using GPS technology. The system also notifies you constantly about your power usage, speed, and battery power. This option isn’t as powerful as the previous one so it would be a perfect fit for a small boat if you are not looking to go too fast. The battery can last for about 11 hours when fully charged. If you want to go faster the battery won’t last as long. There’s an option to get solar panels for the motor so you can charge it when you’re on the water. There’s a 2-year warranty on the motor and the power of it is 3 hp.
ePropulsion
ePropulsion is another company that has made its way to the top of electric boat motors manufacturing. They have a variety of electric engines that are well built and professionally designed.
This electric motor is 10 hp, and a very powerful option. The Navy 6.0 can move a relatively large boat without any particular struggles. Unlike trolling motors, this engine has a very impressive range because the battery lasts for a long time. It usually takes about 40 miles before your battery is empty and you have to recharge. With this engine, you have the option to take an extra battery with you and replace it when the original one is out. There are many LED batteries and lithium batteries from other companies that are compatible. One really useful feature this engine has is the immediate stop of the propeller if it hits something. This feature will save any major damage to your motor in case you hit a rock.
Related: How to Remove a Boat Propeller
If you have a smaller boat and you are not a fan of high horsepower, the Spirit 1.0 is the motor for you. It’s a fairly cheap option that will last you for a long time and is also power efficient. This electric motor can last for about 8 hours if you run it on ¼ of the maximum power. The motor comes with a solar panel that can charge your battery when you are out on the water although it is a bit slow.
Elco Motors
Elco is a famous company that builds electric outboard motors. They have a variety of options ranging from 6 to 100 hp. One of the best options from Elco is their EP 70 inboard engine. It costs just under $16,000 but it’s worth the price if you are looking for a stable solution. It can go up to 10 mph and its range is between 23 and 41 miles. This electric motor works with nine 8-D 12 volt AGM batteries but it can work with lithium-ion batteries too. The lithium-ion option would provide you with a more efficient solution for powering your electric boat motor.
Minn Kota Motors
Minn Kota is a well-known and respected manufacturer of electric outboard motors. They’ve been in this business since 1934. One of their best electric motors is The Vantage. This motor is their most popular option and one of the best. The motor costs $1,549 which is very affordable. One feature that makes this option great is the digital controller that is set up for maximum efficiency to achieve optimum range. It’s also made to be very accessible as you can easily switch between neutral, forward, and reverse speeds. This is a 24 volts motor that is compatible with any battery that can produce 48 volts. This electric motor is a very good option if you are on a tight budget and you don’t have a huge boat.
Opting to replace your old gas or combustion motor with an electric one is a great idea. There are so many advantages to electric motors such as cleanliness, reduced maintenance, and environment-friendly. The best electric boat motors are also very quiet and don’t emit any fumes that can be harmful to you and other people on your boat. They cost a bit more but they are worth the price in the long haul.
