New line of 3 modular electric pod motors from French maker TEMO
TEMO first made a name for itself in electric boat motors with its innovative TEMO 450 and 450 Carbon models that look like a cross between a traditional paddle and the long tail motors used on river boats in South America and Asia.
With a trigger at one end, a propeller and motor at the other and a battery encased in the wand itself, they provide a surprising amount of power from an ultralight device. The company followed these with the TEMO 1000 that model that integrates motor, battery and controls in a rudder configuration.
The motors are particularly convenient for propelling small dinghys or tenders from shore to a mother sailboat and back, or as removable electric outboards for the sailboats themselves.
Modular electric pod motors for in-hull installation
Now TEMO has a line of three electric pod motors designed to be permanently installed in the hull of a sailboat (or any boat) using a modular concept and Plug and Play set up. This makes them very easy to install and to meet the power and range needs of different purposes and owners.
The motors come in power ratings of 450W, 1kW and 3kW (≈ 2.5 – 9 hp), for boats from 500 kg up to 3 tonnes (≈ 1100 – 6600 lbs). They come as complete systems that includes the drive, batteries and a choice of controls – or without screen and remote control
Hairpin motor, ceramic shaft seal
The motors use hairpin technology, a method of winding stators in electric motors with flat copper bars instead of round wires. That provides a higher power density (kiloWatts per kilogram of motor weight), better heat dissipation, and a more efficient manufacturing process– more value for the consumer.
The electric pod motors are also fitted with a ceramic shaft seal that enables IP68 protection without the need for gaskets. The mechanical seal is an advanced process that the company says provides greater shaft durability and improved efficiency. A big benefit is that there is much reduced maintenance compared with conventional seals, which have to be changed every 3 to 4 years.
The propellers for each of the models have been customized to maximize thrust and speed, and if your preference if for a folding propeller, the SeaSide line is compatible with most folding propellers on the market.
Another innovation of the SeaSide system, and key to its modularity and flexibility, are the batteries.
Every motor in the line uses the same modular multi-battery system, made up of cassettes installed in a rack that are quickly and easily inserted and removed. The cassettes come in three sizes: 250, 950 and 2900 Wh and can be added as required. As an example, the SeaSide 3000Pod can be powered by up to four 2900 Wh batteries, giving a total capacity of 11,600 Wh.
Charge only as much power as you need
The batteries in the rack are not stacked in the traditional sense, they can be used individually, so it’s possible to discharge only one battery from the pack during any outing, limiting the number of batteries you need to unload.
For recharging, the boat can be simply plugged in at the dock, or any of the cassettes taken out for charging at home or any location with a standard outlet. They can also be charged through solar power. This modular approach also makes it easy for the motor battery system to be connected to other services on a boat.
TEMO worked with the French boatyard Tofinou in developing the system, partnering with them on a fully electric version of their 7.9 dayboat. The shipyard was founded in 1987 by the Joubert family and is known for creating classic boats with modern lines that continue the yard’s respect for artisanal construction.
“We asked TEMO to work with us to make our latest model, the Tofinou 7.9, a fully electric sailing dayboat” said Thomas Vignau, Sales Director at Tofinou, Rhéa Marine and Wauquiez Yachts. “She has a light displacement of 1200KG (≈ 2650 lbs) and is outfitted with the 3kW pod drive and cassette battery system.”
“The individual charging is a big benefit – owners can keep a maximum reserve in the boat, but very often have to recharge only one of the batteries. Another bonus of TEMO’s integration s the ability to house the control unit directly at the helm, making speed control very ergonomic and immediate.”
Alexandre SEUX, co-founder of TEMO, says “Our vision is to make electric power an easy and flexible heart of boat life. With the SEASIDE range, we are not only offering the best in marine motorization with the latest generation technologies, but we are also innovating by rethinking the entire on-board energy system so that the motor battery can also serve all the equipment. It’s a range of pod drives that we’re in a position to develop according to the needs and requests of our partners”.
See TEMO motors for sale in the Plugboats Marketplace
