Electric Outboards: Less than 5 kW

You may also be interested in our other guides:
»» Guide to Electric Trolling Motors
»» Guide to Electric Outboards Over 5kW

It is the long term goal of Plugboats to provide a complete range of ‘Buyer’s Guides’ to electric motors, recognizing that it is a large task. We feel it is important, though, because there is no place we know of where someone interested in electric boats and motors can conveniently find this information. This is our first guide: electric outboard motors under 5kW (excluding kayak and trolling motors). Our next guide will cover those kayak/trolling motors, followed by an electric outboard guide of 5kW+, then a guide to pod motors and then inboards. We welcome all suggestions and feedback. (Use the Comment Form at the bottom of the page)

Outboards under 5kW

This is a general outline of the companies that manufacture electric outboards with power under 5kiloWatts and the models that they offer. It is not intended to be the definitive authority on the subject, but rather a launching pad for finding out more about motors that may match your specific needs.

There is a lot of variety in the way manufacturers detail the technical attributes of their products. We have tried to take the most common measurements and assemble an ‘apples to apples’ comparison.

General Organization

They are organized in alphabetical order by manufacturer and then by power of motor within that manufacturer’s listing. In the interests of user friendliness, we have bunched the short (S) and long shaft (L) models together, and for some manufacturers have also bunched the range of motors, mainly because that is how those manufacturers display them on their websites.

The blue links will connect you to the manufacturer’s entire website, the page for the motor/s being detailed, and in some cases, a link to download a brochure. At the bottom of the page is a sortable and searchable table of all the information. While the page can be viewed on a mobile device, there is a lot of information. We encourage you to view on a desk or laptop browser for maximum legibility and flexibility.

Plugboats makes no claims about the relative performance or manufacturing quality of the motors, the information is drawn from each manufacturers published materials. Also, the photographs and drawings are not shown in any consistent scale.

We welcome any input you may have to make this guide better – a different grouping, perhaps we have left out a motor or are unaware of a manufacturer. If you do have a suggestion, correction or improvement, use the Contact Form at the bottom of the page.

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Measurements

kW • Voltage • HP:
kW is the kW rating provided by the manufacturer. Most websites do not indicate whether it is input or output kW. When it is indicated, we took the larger of the two, usually the input kW
Voltage is most often referred on the sites as ‘Voltage’. Some indiccate nominal or peak. In those cases we have used the nominal rating and indicated it as such.
HP: is ‘HorsePower equivalent’ so that you can get an idea of the power of the motor in comparison to a HP rating you might be more familiar with. These measurements come from the manufacturer’s website, and different manufacturers measure the HP in different ways. Some even use metric horsepower, which is slightly different from imperial horsepower. Again, we have tried to make it as apples to apples as possible. (For general guidance, 1kW is round one and a third HP, or the reverse is that 1HP is around three quarters of a kW

Weight and Length: are in metric. 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds, ( a 15kg motor = 33 lb), 1 centimetre = 2.54 inch (63 cm shaft = 25″)

Running Times: These obviously depend on a variety of conditions. We have used the information from the manufacturer’s website, taking the range/time at the lowest speed and highest. Some manufacturers also include range in their analysis of the capabilities of a battery and motor combination, but since not all provide that, we have used only running times.

Price: These prices are intended as a guide, to give an idea of comparative pricing, not as quotes for the products. The information was taken from a variety of sources. If the manufacturer has a suggested list price, it is noted. Otherwise, information came from dealer websites. In some cases we could not find a dealer price and we have contacted the manufacturer for a MSRP. These will be added as they arrive.

The range of prices reflects the options for the model (i.e. from short shaft tiller steer to long shaft remote steer). While prices between dealers are fairly consistent, there can be big price swings between continents. The $ amounts are US$ unless otherwise noted. Finally, if the battery is integrated, it is in the price, if the battery is separate, the listed price is for the motor only.

The information on this page was reviewed on July 22, 2019

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Aquamot

Aquamot was founded in 2003 by Ing. Siegmund Hammerstrom and has grown to be a leading manufacturer of electric motors. They have outboard and pod motors in sizing from 1.1 kW to 25kW. The motors are divided into the 1 to 1.6kW range and the 2.2 to 4.4kW range because that is how they are shown on the website. The photos show that the motor (bottom of shaft) is longer and larger on the higher kW models. The black extension is the optional tiller.

Aquamot Trend Outboard 1.1 web page
Download .pdf brochure (1.1 and 1.6 models)

Aquamot Trend Outboard 1.6. web page
Download .pdf brochure (1.1 and 1.6 models)

Aquamot Trend Outboard 2.2 web page
Download .pdf brochure (2.2 and 4.3 models)

Aquamot Trend Outboard 4.3 web page
Download .pdf brochure (2.2 and 4.3 models)

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Combi Outboards

Combi Outboards was founded in 1979 in Giethoorn (‘the Dutch Venice’) to supply rental boats with clean electric power. It is now a leading international supplier of electric propulsion solutions for the maritime market. Combi manufactures inboards, pods, hybrids and outboards. There are six outboards ranging in power from 1kW to 3.5 kW: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5kW. Rather than detailing each, we give the specifications for the 1kW and 3.5kW models.

Combi Outboards: 1kW web page
Download .pdf brochure (all Combi models)

Combi Outboards: 3.5kW web page
Download .pdf brochure (all Combi models)

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Elco

Elco (Elco Motor Yachts) is the oldest electric boat motor company in the world, having been started in 1893 as the the Electric Launch Company to supply electric boats for the Chicago World’s Fair. It went on to become the USA’s second largest boat manufacturer. In 2013 the company decided to focus exclusively on electric motors – outboards, inboards and hybrids. They have two outboards under 5kW and four bigger motors ranging from 6.48kW to 21.6kW.

Elco EP-5 web page
Download .pdf Spec Sheet

Elco EP-9.9 web page
Download .pdf Spec Sheet

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EP Carry

Joe Grez, an experienced consumer product developer with a degree in physics and portfolio of US patents, developed the Electric Paddle in 2008 when a new mandatory CO2 warning had to be placed on his dinghy and it made him think about the effects of exhaust on his young granddaughter when she was in the boat. The motor has now evolved into the EP Carry system, an electric outboard for dinghies and most boats 13 ft. or less, plus some sail craft. 

EP Carry information page

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e-Propulsion

ePropulsion was  founded in 2012 by three engineers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).  The company continues to have a strong engineering culture where each engineer is individually responsible for creating as much value for users as possible. e-Propulsion offer two outboard models, the 1kW Spirit and 3kW Navy.

e-Propulsion Spirit 1.0 web page

e-Propulsion Navy 3.0 web page

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Electro-Mobile

Electro-Mobile is a family company founded in Sweden in 1992 with a focus on eco-friendly electric motors in general for use in heavy equipment, cars, HVAC and power tools. Electro-Mobile offers two outboards motors under 5kW – the 4921-3kW and 4921-5kW.

Electro-Mobile E4921-3 webpage
Download .pdf spec sheet (includes 4921-5)

Electro-Mobile E4921-5 webpage
Download .pdf spec sheet (includes 4921-3)

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Golden Motor – EZOutboard

Golden Motor has been a manufacturer of high power electric motors and controllers since 2007. The company also has motors available for e-bikes, motorcycles and cars and started conversion of used gasoline outboards to electric versions in 2012. Their EZ Outboard brand offers a line of trolling motors and two higher power outboards of 6.5 and 105.kW.

EZOutboard S06
Download .pdf spec sheet (includes 4921-3)

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Karvin

Karvin is a Poland-based company that focuses its efforts exclusively on electric outboard. It offers one motor smaller than 5 kiloWatts – the 4500.

Karvin 4500

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Krautler

Krautler is a long-established German manufacturer of industrial electric motors. They began construction of electric boat motors started in the 80’s mainly because they could not find a product that would live up to the standards of founder Oswald Kräutler. They continue to make electric motors for industrial and ship use and have a wide range of motors for smaller recreational power and sailboats.

Krautler Outboarder Adjustable Shaft 0.5kW – 2.4kW
Download .pdf of spec sheet for all Krautler Adjustable Shaft Outboards

Krautler has a range of electric outboards that can be ordered with grip (tiller) or remote control (pin). They range from 0.5 kw (input) to 2.6 kW (input) and have two different types of electric motors: GPAV motors on the 0.5kW to 2.2kW models (DC motor with permanent magnets, continuous control) and ACAV (AC brushless three phase asynchronous motor) on the 2.4kW and 2.6kW models. This listing covers the whole range of outboard motors with adjustable shafts (under 5kW).

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Parsun

Suzhou Parsun Power Machine Co., Ltd. was founded in 2001 in Suzhou, China. Their core technology team’s collective experience dates back to 1968, and includes working with OMC in the development of integral components for high-power outboard engines in the late 1990’s. The company works with Elco on the design, technology and patents for its electric outboard products as well as the global sourcing of key parts and materials. The company makes one outboard under 5kW, its 3.6kW Parsun 5HP.

Parsun 5HP

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Ray Electric Outboards

Morton Ray holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Institute of Technology and developed his electric outboard in 1973 as a primary power for boats, as opposed to the trolling motors people were using as auxiliaries to their gas motors. Ray Electric Outboards Inc. approaches electric propulsion differently from other companies. It manufacture one motor, the watt power of which can be changed by altering the voltage of the accompanying battery pack and the amperage.

Ray Electric Outboard

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Torqeedo

Torqeedo is the leading manufacturer of electric outboards in the world. The company was founded in 2004 by Dr Christoph Ballin and Dr Friedrich Böbel when they decided they could build a better electric motor than the one on the boat Dr. Ballin had just purchased. The company offers trolling motors, inboards, outboards and pod motors and works with BMW’s battery division as well as partnering with many of the world’s premier boat designers and manufacturers. Apart from its line of small power kayak and trolling motors, it makes 5 models of outboard with power of less than 5kW.

Torqeedo Travel 503

Torqeedo Travel 1003

Torqeedo 1003 – C

The orqeedo 1003-C is the same motor as the Travel 1003 above but with a larger integrated battery pack: Li-ion with a capacity of 915 Wh Li-ion that weighs 6kgs and provides a range of 55 mins – 17.5 hrs • Price: $2500

Torqeedo Travel 1103

Torqeedo Cruise 2.0 RS and 2.0T (shown)
(R and T simply refer to Remote or Tiller)

Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 RS (shown) and 4.0 T

Table: Sortable and Searchable

MOTOR	POWER	BATTERY	RANGE	SHAFT (cm)	WEIGHT (kg)	STEERING	OTHER	COUNTRY
Aquamot 1.1	kW: 1.1 Voltage: not available HP: 3.5	.640 kWh Li-ion Integrated	.66 hrs (40 min) – 6.5 hrs	63 (S) 75 (L)	14.2 Tiller: + .4	Tiller Remote	Two year limited warranty. Larger / extra battery can be purchased to extend range (1.28 kWh Li-ion)	Austria	$2050 - $2275
Aquamot 1.6	kW: 1.6 Voltage: not available HP: 5	.640 kWh Li-ion Integrated	.5 hrs (29 min) – 4.5 hrs	63 (S) 75 (L)	15.3 Tiller: + .6	Tiller Remote	Two year limited warranty. Larger / extra battery can be purchased to extend range (1.28 kWh Li-ion)	Austria	$2500 - $2675
Aquamot 2.2	kW: 2.2 Voltage: 24 HP: 6.5	Not included. Can be purchased from Aquamot or others. Connector cables included	2.25 hrs – 10 hrs	63 (S) 75 (L)	22.9 Tiller: + .5	Tiller Remote	Two year limited warranty. Extra long shaft and long tiller arm available.	Austria	$3500
Aquamot 4.3	kW: 4.3 Voltage: 48 HP: 11	Not included. Can be purchased from Aquamot or others. Connector cables included	2.25 hrs – 10 hrs	63 (S) 75 (L)	22.9 Tiller: + .5	Tiller Remote	Two year limited warranty. Extra long shaft and long tiller arm available.	Austria	$3950
Combi 1kW	kW: 1.0 Voltage: 24 HP: 4	Not included.	Combi does not provide a range or run time, but gives advice on battery and chargers for 4 hour to 12 hour usage.	40.5 (S) 52.5 (L) 56.5 (XL)	Not available	Tiller Remote	Combi does not provide a range or run time, but gives advice on battery and chargers for 4 hour to 12 hour usage.	Netherlands	Not available
Combi 3.5kW	kW: 3.5 Voltage: 48 HP: 9	Not included.	Combi does not provide a range or run time, but gives advice on battery and chargers for 4 hour to 12 hour usage.	41.0 (S) 52.5 (L) 56.5 (XL)	Not available	Tiller Remote	Combi does not provide a range or run time, but gives advice on battery and chargers for 4 hour to 12 hour usage.	Netherlands	Not available
EP Carry	kW: .23	Separate, available from EPCarry 24V or 48V Lithium-iron-phosphate: LiFePo in buoyant case	1 hrs – 5 hrs	101 (XS) 114 (S) 127 (L)	Motor: 6.4 Battery 2.9	Tiller	Two year limited warranty. Easy tilt-up lift mechanism for beaching. Accepts any 24V battery	USA	$1600
e-Propulsion Spirit 1.0	kW: 1.0 Voltage: 40.7 (nominal) HP: 3	1.02 kWh LiPo (lithium-ion-polymer) Integrated	1 hrs – 4 hrs	52.5 (XS) 62.5 (S) 75 (L)	11 - Motor Battery: 8.8 (varies with shaft length and/or tiller)	Tiller Remote, Wireless	Two year limited warranty. As of May 2019 wireless remote control is available	China	$2150 - $2400
e-Propulsion Navy 3.0	kW: 3.0 Voltage: 46.8 (nominal) HP: 6	3.04 kWh Li-ion Non-Integrated	1 hrs – 4 hrs	64 (S) 76.5 (L)	24 - Motpr Battery: 31.5 (varies with shaft length and/or tiller)	Tiller Remote, Wireless	Two year limited warranty, one year on battery. Wide variety of accessories available.	China	$2900 - $3050
Elco EP-5	kW: 4.7 Voltage: 48 HP: 9.9	Separate Batteries (Victron Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Chargers ( NOCO) available from Elco	Not available	43.6 (S) 56.3 (L) (Transom Heights)	29.5 Batteries: 90 (approximate: 2x12V 145 Ah)	Tiller Remote (Side or Top Mount available)	‘Get Home Safe’ battery alert system	USA	$2600 North America • €3575 - €3950 Europe
Elco EP 9.9	kW: 3.0 Voltage: 24 HP: 5	Separate Batteries (Victron Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) and Chargers ( NOCO) available from Elco	Not available	43.6 (S) 56.3 (L) (Transom Heights)	29.5 Batteries: 180 (approximate: 2x12V 145 Ah)	Tiller Remote (Side or Top Mount available)	‘Get Home Safe’ battery alert system	USA	$2910 North America • €3500 - €4300
Electro-Mobile 4912-3	kW: 3.0 Voltage: 48 HP: 5	Separate Available from Electro-Mobile	Not available	Not available	31 Batteries: 60 (4.5 kWh – 4x12V 90Ah Lithium-iron-phosphate: LiFePo)	Tiller	Chargers and all accessories available from Electro-Mobile Here is a link to a battery guide on the site	Sweden	Not available
Electro-Mobile 4912-5	kW: 5.0 Voltage: 48 HP: 9	Separate Available from Electro-Mobile	Not available	Not available	48 Batteries: 60 (4.5 kWh – 4x12V 90Ah Lithium-iron-phosphate: LiFePo)	Tiller	Chargers and all accessories available from Electro-Mobile Here is a link to a battery guide on the site	Sweden	Not available
EZOutboard S06	kW: 4.3 Voltage: 48 HP: 5-7	Separate Expandable LiFePO4 battery pack available from EZOutboard	Not available	Not available	31 Batteries: 27 (4x12V 5Ah)	Tiller Remote	3 speed mode smart control panel	China	Not available
Karvin 2700	kW: 2.7 Voltage: 24 / 36 / 48 HP: 4.7 / 6.9 / 9.5	Separate Various packages available from Karvin	Not available	38 (S) 51 (L)	22 Batteries: 80 (48V = 4x12V LiFePO4 140Ah)	Tiller Remote	All accessories available from Karvin	Poland	Not available
Karvin 4500	kW: 4.5 Voltage: 24 / 36 / 48 HP: 8 / 12 / 16	Separate Various packages available from Karvin	Not available	38 (S) 51 (L)	22 Batteries: 80 (48V = 4x12V LiFePo4 140Ah)	Tiller Remote	All accessories available from Karvin	Poland	$4925 - $5150
Krautler GPAV 0.5	kW: 0.5 Voltage: 24 HP: 0.67	Separate. Not sold by Krautler	Not available	85 Optional for up to 100	18	Tiller Remote Optional rudder attachment	Includes: infinitely variable electric regulation system, single lever control (throttle), battery master switcher, battery fuse, battery monitor, anode for fresh water, cable set, fixed or folding propeller (depending on order)	Germany	$1500 - $2000
Krautler GPAV 0.8	kW: 0.8 Voltage: 24 HP: 1	Separate. Not sold by Krautler	Not available	85 Optional for up to 100	19	Tiller Remote Optional rudder attachment	Includes: infinitely variable electric regulation system, single lever control (throttle), battery master switcher, battery fuse, battery monitor, anode for fresh water, cable set, fixed or folding propeller (depending on order)	Germany	$1500 - $2000
Krautler GPAV 1.6	kW: 1.6 Voltage: 24 HP: 2.1	Separate. Not sold by Krautler	Not available	85 Optional for up to 100	24	Tiller Remote Optional rudder attachment	Includes: infinitely variable electric regulation system, single lever control (throttle), battery master switcher, battery fuse, battery monitor, anode for fresh water, cable set, fixed or folding propeller (depending on order)	Germany	$1500 - $2000
Krautler GPAV 2.2	kW: 2.2 Voltage: 36 HP: 2.9	Separate. Not sold by Krautler	Not available	85 Optional for up to 100	20	Tiller Remote Optional rudder attachment	Includes: infinitely variable electric regulation system, single lever control (throttle), battery master switcher, battery fuse, battery monitor, anode for fresh water, cable set, fixed or folding propeller (depending on order)	Germany	$1500 - $2000
Krautler ACAV 1.8	kW: 2.4 Voltage: 24 HP: 3.2	Separate. Not sold by Krautler	Not available	85 Optional for up to 100	25	Tiller Remote Optional rudder attachment	Includes: infinitely variable electric regulation system, single lever control (throttle), battery master switcher, battery fuse, battery monitor, anode for fresh water, cable set, fixed or folding propeller (depending on order)	Germany	$1500 - $2000
Krautler ACAV 2.0	kW: 2.6 Voltage: 24 HP: 3.5	Separate. Not sold by Krautler	Not available	85 Optional for up to 100	33	Tiller Remote Optional rudder attachment	Includes: infinitely variable electric regulation system, single lever control (throttle), battery master switcher, battery fuse, battery monitor, anode for fresh water, cable set, fixed or folding propeller (depending on order)	Germany	$1500 - $2000
Parsun 5HP	kW: 3.6 Voltage: 48 HP: 5	Separate Not available from Parsuns	Not available	38.1 (S) 50.8 (L) (Transom Heights)	28.4 (S) 30.4 (L)	Tiller Remote	4 position manual trim and tilt	China	$1700 - $2250 North America • $AU 4000 – $AU 4800 Australia
Ray Electric Outboard	kW: Not available Voltage: 36 / 48 / 60 HP: 2.5 / 4 / 5	Separate Available from Ray in 36 / 48 / 60 battery packs	1.8 hrs – 28 hrs	38.1 (S) 50.8 (L) (Transom Heights)	Total System Weights per Voltage ratings above: 36V: 228 / 48V:287 / 60V:340	Tiller Remote	Ray motors are set up to be sold as a total package, one-stop shopping	USA	$5695 - $6049
Torqeedo 503	kW: .5 Voltage: 29.6 (nominal) HP: 2	.320 kWh Li-ion Integrated	.67 hrs (42 min) – 6.3 hrs	62.5 (S) 75 (L)	08.9 (S) 09.5 (L) Battery: 5	Tiller	Onboard charger with GPS calculator of remaining range, 4 position manual trim, solar chargeable, including during voyage	Germany	$1700
Torqeedo Travel 1003	kW: 1.0 Voltage: 29.6 (nominal) HP: 3-4	.530 kWh Li-ion Integrated	.51 hrs (35 min) – 10.5 hrs	62.5 (S) 75 (L)	14.2 (S) 14.8 (L) Battery: 5.3	Tiller	Onboard charger with GPS calculator of remaining range, 4 position manual trim, solar chargeable, including during voyage	Germany	$2000
Torqeedo Travel 1003C	kW: 1.0 Voltage: 29.6 (nominal) HP: 3-4	.915 kWh Li-ion Integrated	.87 hrs (55 min) – 17.5 hrs	62.5 (S) 75 (L)	14.2 (S) 14.8 (L) Battery: 6.0	Tiller	Onboard charger with GPS calculator of remaining range, 4 position manual trim, solar chargeable, including during voyage	Germany	$2500
Torqeedo Travel 1103	kW: 1.1 Voltage: 29.6 (nominal) HP: 3-4	.915 kWh Li-ion Integrated	.83 hrs (50 min) – 20 hrs	62.5 (S) 75 (L)	17.3 (S) 17.7 (L) Battery: 6	Tiller	Onboard charger with GPS calculator of remaining range, 4 position manual trim, solar chargeable, including during voyage	Germany	$2700
Torqeedo Cruise 2.0	kW: 2.0 Voltage: 24 (nominal) HP: 5	3.5 kWh (Suggested): 1 X Torqeedo Power 24-3500 Li-ion • Capacity: Non-Integrated	1.75 hrs – 8 hrs	62.5 (S) 75 (L)	17.5 (S) 18.6 (L) Battery: 25.3 (1xPower 24-3500)	Tiller Remote	Onboard charger with GPS calculator of remaining range, 4 position manual trim, solar chargeable, including during voyage	Germany	$4000
Torqeedo Cruise 4.0	kW: 4.0 Voltage: 48 (nominal) HP: 8	5 kWh 1 X Power 48-5000 Li-ion Non-Integrated	1.25 hrs – 10 hrs	62.5 (S) 75 (L)	16.1 (S/Remote) to 19.4 (L/Tiller) Battery: 25.3 (1xPower 24-3500)	Tiller Remote	Onboard charger with GPS calculator of remaining range, 4 position manual trim, solar chargeable, including during voyage	Germany	$4500

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