Mercury Marine unveiled its first electric outboard at CES 2023. Designed to attach to tenders, micro skiffs, rigid inflatables, and kayaks, the Avator 7.5e features what it says is “delivering quiet power you can rely on to get you where you want to go.” Replaceable battery pack.
The Avator 7.5e delivers 750 W at the propeller shaft and is the first in Mercury’s range of electric outboard motors this year to include 20e and 35e variants. The new range’s name is a mashup of words that refer to the company’s past and future. A blend of Advanced and Thor, the latter being the name of Mercury’s first outboard.
Employing industry-first transverse flux motor technology, it is reported to deliver quiet reliability, high torque, and speed and acceleration similar to the company’s 3.5-horsepower FourStroke outboard.
Mercury engineer Andrew Przybyl said: “The motor can produce instant torque at low rpm, so we were able to design a large-diameter, three-blade propeller that spins slower, which improves efficiency and overall performance. The result is faster acceleration from 0-4 mph.More efficiency than comparable competitive outboards. It is designed to take maximum advantage of the
Mercury Marine
The Avator 7.5e comes with a 1 kWh lithium-ion battery unit developed in collaboration with Mastervolt. It’s IP67 rated and can be lifted out of the outboard motor housing to charge indoors or take an optional extra unit on a trip to hot swap. Allow more time on the water. Each battery can be charged overnight via the included charger, but an optional fast charger is also on the way.
The outboard features a quick connect mounting system and weighs 59 lbs (26.6 kg) including the 16 lb battery unit. Steer using the ratcheting quick-tilt cultivator (which can be locked into a carry handle) or utilize a model with a digital power & shift remote control designed to fit the rudder of a small boat can.
Elsewhere, there’s a sunlight-readable full-color display on top of the cultivator showing battery status and an estimate of remaining range, and the outboard works with the company’s new mobile app for iOS/Android. Adding the SmartCraft Connect module expands the functionality to include GPS route planning and more.
Mercury Marine
“The Avator 7.5e is more than just an outboard,” said Tim Reid, Mercury’s vice president of product development and engineering. “We have created an entire propulsion system that is fully integrated from advanced controls, props and digital gauges to an all-new mobile app. Every aspect has the same attention to quality, durability and reliability as all Mercury products. Confidently, the Avator 7.5e outboard provides an excellent boating experience for sailors interested in powering small craft with electric propulsion.”
No pricing has been revealed at this time, but Avator 7.5e is expected to launch later this year.
Product Page: Avator 7.5e
