New ePropulsion eLite electric outboard for tenders, small boats
ePropulsion, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electric boat motors, has added to its model line with the launch of the eLite, a 500 watt outboard and integrated battery in a rudder-shaped casing. The suggested price is just under $1,000 (≈ €925 / £800).
The motor was launched at the Düsseldorf Boat Show with Danny Tao, Co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion, saying “We are excited to start the year by introducing this game-changer in marine propulsion.With its innovative features and commitment to sustainability, we believe the eLite will redefine the eco boating experience for enthusiasts worldwide.”
Lightweight, easy transportation and charging
This is the lowest power electric outboard in the ePropulsion range (the next in the line is the 1,000 watt/1 kilowatt Spirit) and has been designed for the tender and smaller boat market. For sailors who need to take a small dinghy or RIB a short distance to get to their main boat, the eLite provides be a cost effective electric option that is easily transported and charged.
The rudder shape means the eLite is only 75 mm (3 inches) on the thin side, 297 mm (11.7”) on the broad side and 890 mm long – just an inch less than three feet. With battery included the weight is just 6.7 kg / 14.7 lbs. The motor has a thumb screw transom bracket with one-click quick-release bracket that makes for installation and removal in a matter of seconds. The extendable tiller can be fixed or adjusted to a variety of handles and also converts to a carrying handle.
The casing itself is aviation-grade aluminum alloy with a IP67 waterproof rating. It holds a lithium-ion battery with 378 watt hours of electricity storage. At wide open throttle the motor would use 500 kiloWatts in an hour, so the battery enables range of about 3/4 of an hour at top speed and longer periods of time at lower speeds.
Integrated battery, BMS
For those in a hurry to get to their mother ship, or for challenging water conditions, there is a sport mode that makes an additional 50% of power available for short periods.
The casing also holds ePropulsion’s Smart Battery Monitoring System (BMS) that optimizes performance and regulates battery level, temperature, and remaining State-of-Charge. All data is displayed on a simple user-friendly interface.
There are multiple charging options, including 110/220V AC, 12V DC and solar, using optional ePropulsion converters.
The eLite joins two other motors that have the rudder design. The Remigo One from Slovenia was introduced in late 2021 and in December 2023 French manufacturer TEMO introduced the TEMO·1000. Both have ratings of 1 kW. The TEMO·1000 followed on the success of the campnay’s 450 watt trigger-operated TEMO·450 and TEMO·450 Carbon ‘electric paddles’, introduced in late 2019.
UPDATE: February 15, 2024
At the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show (MIBS), the ePropulsion eLite received the Innovation Award in the category Electric Motor / Battery Powered Propulsion / Hybrids. The awards are presented by the National Marine Manufacturers’ Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) and are judged by a committee of 8 BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in marine products and equipment.
ePropulsion eLite Specs |
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|---|---|---|
| Nominal Power | 500 W | |
| Maximum Power (Sport mode) | 750 W | |
| Battery | Integrated 378 Wh 25.2V Lithium-ion | |
| Charger | 220V AC charger included, 12V charger optional | |
| Cooling System | Natural cooling | |
| Rated RPM | 1500 to 1700 | |
| Operating Temperature | -5 to 55 °C | |
| Storage Temperature | -20 to 45 °C | |
| Trim and Tilt | 8° / 17° / 26° | |
| Tilt Angle | 75° | |
| Shallow Water Mode Tilt Angle | 36° | |
| Steering Angle | ±70° | |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 297 x 75 x 890 mm (11.7 x 3 x 35”) | |
| Motor Weight (excluding bracket) | 6.7 kg / 14.7 lbs | |
| Motor Weight (including bracket) | 7.9 kg / 17.4 lbs | |
| Adjustable Shaft Length | 401 / 362.5 / 322 / 282.5 mm (15.8 / 14.27 / 12.7 / 11.1”) | |
