Norwegian company Evoy has launched what it says is the world’s most powerful, all-electric outboard boat propulsion system.
The Scandinavian startup creates electric propulsion systems to retrofit existing boats as well as supply electric drivetrains for new ones, with a vision to eliminate carbon emissions from the boating sector.
From fishing boats to fjord cruising ships, Evoy has systems that range up to 800 horsepower (596kW), such as the 600 horsepower (447kW) system installed in Polarcirkel 860 for Norwegian Akva Group, a boat model preferred by fish farmers.
The latest addition to its range of electric boat propulsion systems will be an all-electric outboard motor with nominal 90kW power and a peak of 150kW, which the startup says will equate to a 150 horsepower (111kW) internal combustion motor with a top torque of 350Nm.
Evoy aims to introduce to the market after testing over the northern hemisphere summer and autumn of 2020, in response to growing consumer interest.
“We have had many inquiries to deliver outboard systems, especially from the Polar Cruise segment. Hurtigruten were early to announce their interest and wanted to have 30 systems delivered in the spring of 2020,” said Evoy CEO and founder Leif Stavøstrand in a statement.
The prototype of the motor was to be unveiled at the Sjøen for Alle in Lillestrøm boat show that had been scheduled for March 18-22, now cancelled due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
Hurtigruten, a company that services Norwegian coastal routes, says that its goal is to be 100% emissions free, and that Evoy’s all-electric outboard would be perfect for its smaller boats.
“Hurtigruten’s goal is to operate 100% emission free. We will lead the way towards a more sustainable tourist industry, and nothing will be more natural than to use electric propulsion, also with our smaller boats,” said Karin Strand, VP of expedition at Hurtigruten, in a statement.
While Hurtigruten, along with many exploration and cruise lines in Scandinavia, have currently suspended operation due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Strand says the cruise company is keen to see how suitable the new electric motor will be on its routes.
“We look forward to getting started and to experience how this works towards our usage patterns, the artic temperatures and of course our customers,” she says.
The electric outboard motor prototype will first be fitted onto a Zodiac Milpro Mark 5, an industry standard model used by exploration cruises in the Artic and made by Norwegian inflatable boat maker Frydenbø Milpro.
“The exploration cruise industry has long been in demand for an electric propulsion solution,” said Trond Underhaug, manager at Frydenbø Milpro in a statement.
“We have great expectations in this project and believe it will generate high volumes once the completed system proves to work as intended. Frydenbø Milpro finds it exciting to be part of this development and will do what we can to succeed.”
Evoy is also in the process of making an electric drive system for what it says will be “the fastest electric serial-produced boat in the world”. In November 2019, it set an unofficial record with its “Evoy1” rigid inflatable boat at a speed of 55 knots, breaking a previous record of 51.3 boats held by a German team.
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Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.