Mercury just announced at the big Miami show that it’s building its first-ever, all-electric outboard engine, and it will be ready for delivery in 2023.
The new engine, called Avator, is the first in a range of five other models that will be announced later this year. It represents a major innovation for Mercury, and a step toward the future of electric power. Indeed, Chris Drees, the president of Mercury Marine, says the company wants to achieve an 80 percent reduction in outboard emissions by 2025, with Avators playing a large part toward reaching that goal.
At the other end of the power spectrum, Mercury was displaying its monster V12, 600-hp Verado outboard at the show. It started making them last year.
The portable, electric Avator is designed to be quiet, smooth and user-friendly, with zero emissions and minimal maintenance. Mercury says it “will bring new innovations to small, launch-anywhere vessel that anyone can enjoy.”
You open the hood to reach a removable and rechargeable battery system; take the old one out, put the new one in, and keep on boating. The engine itself is relatively lightweight and easy to carry. An integrated screen in front shows the remaining battery power.
“The Mercury Avator electric outboard program is the next evolution of our leadership in the marine industry,” Drees said. “The innovations we’re exploring with this program give us a bold look at what electrification can mean for the future of boating.”
We don’t have any other details for the Avator at this time. Stay tuned. Read more at http://mercurymarine.com and see the video below:
