ePropulsion launches 40 kiloWatt – 60 HP electric outboard
ePropulsion, one of the world market leaders in electric outboard boat motors, has released their highest powered outboard yet – the X40 Electric Outboard. Until now, the company’s highest powered outboard was the 6 kiloWatt Navy Evo. The X-40 has 40 kW of power – almost 7 times as much – and performs equivalently to a 60 HP fossil fuel outboard.
This power is delivered using 20% less weight than a gasoline outboard and with a total powertrain efficiency of 88.2%. Using a proprietary algorithm, the company’s development team has also optimized over 20 key variables to achieve hydrodynamic efficiency in the X40’s propeller, yielding smoother rides and lower energy consumption.
“The X40 is the next evolution in electric outboards of its size, showcasing the highest level of ePropulsion’s R&D capacity,” said Danny Tao, CEO and Co-founder of ePropulsion.
Electric outboards are famously quiet, and ePropulsion has gone an extra step with the X-40 by incorporating frequency resonance isolation and vibration dampening technology that creates less vibration.
The X40 also integrates electric steering, power trim/tilt, the electric control unit (ECU) and motor controller into a single unit, giving boaters more usable space at the stern.
Simple, safe connectivity
ePropulsion’s Smart System Architecture (eSSA) is used on the X-40 to coordinate every element of the electric propulsion. Among other features, it supports simple and safe connection of various components and enables integration with renewable energy sources, making the X-40 even more environmentally friendly than a fossil fuel burning combustion engine.
In terms of speed and range, the company has published a chart on its website, with performance data based on a 20-foot V hull aluminum boat with two people (290 lbs / 130kg), powered by one X40 with four G102-100 batteries (total boat weight 2270 lbs / 1030kg), in calm lake water.
| Speed | Runtime | Range |
| 7.8 mph / 12.6 kmh | 4 hours | 30 mi / 50 km |
| 9.6 mph /15.4 kmh | 2 hours | 22 mi / 36 km |
| 22.3 mph / 35.9 kmh | 1 hour | 20 mi / 30 km |
Digital steering makes positioning easy
The X40 has been designed with an intuitive control to be easy to operate even for boating novices, with the digital helm and smart throttles delivering instant digital feedback. The X40’s electric steering system eliminates the need for hydraulic components. One of the appeal of electric outboard is that there is almost zero maintenance required. This lowers that maintenance requirements even further.
The digital steering also serves as a gateway to a suite of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems. The precision and responsiveness, paves the way for enhanced safety and control features like Posiiton Hold, Heading Hold and 360 Motion.
Built for the marine environment, the X40 includes a safe and reliable 96V electrical platform complying with the latest IEC standards. It is IP67 waterproof and built to last with a minimum service life of 5,000 hours.
Because an electric motor is based on the movement of electrons and electricity, it makes it easy to incorporate the kinds of electronic data and communications features that are usually only available on big fossil fuel motor systems. The X40’s Connectivity Service offers real-time status, advanced monitoring, reporting and trip tracking.
The X40 is compatible with a comprehensive range of accessories, such as the ePropulsion Smart Throttle, Digital Helm, Smart Display, Propellers, G102-100 Battery, Battery Charger, Solar Charger Controller, MPPT and DC-DC.
ePropulsion CEO Tao says “We are always looking to innovate, not just to match what is available for standard internal combustion outboards, but to move beyond their capabilities and provide real, enhanced performance, while also providing a quiet, clean and powerful alternative for propulsion.”
You can catch the new ePropulsion X40 electric outboard motor from October 25th through 29th at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Booth 2014 in the Broward County Convention Center.
