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ePropulsion Electric Outboard Motors Expand in the UK Marine Market

25th May 2021
The direct drive means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power. Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run. Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail.
The direct drive means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power. Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run. Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail

Electic outboard engine company ePropulsion UK is experiencing significant growth in 2021 and have recently signed up 15 new dealers.

As the United Kingdom distributors for ePropulsion, the innovative, eco-friendly brand of electric marine motors, the company has a new focus on distributing primarily through retail outlets.

Headed up by MD Steve Bruce, the UK team are selecting new accounts to provide a good geographic spread for consumers. Ranging from Ardfern Yacht Centre in Argyll, Anglia Yacht Brokerage in Suffolk, Cornish Marine in Truro, eSolent on Hayling Island and Marine & General in the Channel Islands, the rapid growth of the network comes as no surprise.

The company was founded by four former engineering students from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, each with a passion for watersports and protecting the planet.

After six years developing their pioneering direct drive system, ePropulsion electric motors can power everything from a SUP or kayak through to passenger vessels and 50’ + ocean cruising catamarans.

Steve comments, "Enquiries have been going through the roof since early in lockdown, so we made the decision to no longer handle direct orders and focus entirely on supporting our dealer network. Last year was a brilliant year, our best ever. However, this year we have already exceeded what we did in the whole of last year in the first few months."

ePropulsion MD Steve BruceePropulsion MD Steve Bruce

The business is also in discussion with a number of boat manufacturers about the ePropulsion range of electric outboards and POD drives for inboard propulsion, for boats ranging from small tenders to 50'+ cruising yachts.

In order to support the dealer network from their Hamble base, ePropulsion UK will soon be moving to a larger local premises which includes offices, a workshop and training facilities.

They will be exhibiting at the Green Tech Boat Show, 19 – 20 June, at Queen Anne's Battery in Plymouth, hosted by MDL, as part of their drive for a cleaner future. With support from ePropulsion dealers on the stand for consumer enquiries, the team will be setting up meetings with builders and new trade customers.

The direct drive means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power. Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance-free, highly efficient and economic to run. Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail.

As well as being environmentally kinder to the oceans the highly efficient lithium ion batteries are recyclable too.

Afloat.ie Team

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About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances