What’s your impression of an outboard motor? Wait. Let me guess: it is probably not a blade-like contraption such as the one you see here. What you see here is an eLITE Electric Outboard Motor from Türkiye-based ERKE Marine, and so yes, it is an electric-drive outboard motor. We have seen electric drive outboard motors before, and we have also seen incredibly compact ones, but never one that looked like a rudder itself.
The ERKE Marine eLITE Electric Outboard Motor is a radical reimagining of what an outboard motor should be. It features a completely novel design. It is electric and has a direct drive. The motor is located in line with the propeller, thus negating the need for gears and enhancing efficiency.
The rudder-like shaft is where the battery is housed. ERKE Marine states that this lowers the center of gravity and eliminates the need for a large head where the battery (and the motor) would typically be.
A 385 Wh lithium-ion battery offers up to 60 minutes of full-speed operation or up to 3.5 hours at cruising speed on a single charge. The battery can be topped off at 220 volts, which will take about 3.5 hours.
The motor features an aviation-grade aluminum alloy housing and is IP67-rated. It weighs just 6.5 kilograms (14.7 pounds), measures 297 x 75 x 890 mm, or about 11.7 x 3 x 35 inches, and has a tiller that folds down to form a carry handle for lugging it around. Though, it does come with a cool carrying bag for transportation.
Power is derived from a 500 W electric motor, which is equivalent to 2.2 HP outboard motors. I won’t lie: it will not break any sea speed records, but it will be enough to let you scoot around in inflatable boats and sailboats. No speed was provided because it varies depending on the type of watercraft it is fitted on.
Control is a no-brainer. It is not much different than any other outboard motor; i.e., twist the clutch lever to go forward or backward.
Other highlights include a one-button controlled digital display, an emergency magnetic stop switch, adjustable tiller height and length, a one-click connector for easy installation and removal, adjustable mounting height, a safety lanyard that cuts the motor if you go overboard, an integrated smart battery management system, and a USB-C output port for charging/powering your small USB-powered devices.
The ERKE Marine eLITE Electric Outboard Motor is available from ERKEMarine.com for €1,099 plus tax (around US$1,176).
Images: ERKE Marine.
