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E-driveAvator 7.5e - Mercury launches range of electric outboards

Hauke Schmidt

 · 09.01.2023

The Avator 7.5e has an output of 750 watts and is intended to replace 3.5 hp petrol engines
Photo: Hersteller
With the Avator 7.5e, Mercury is presenting a compact electric outboard for small boats. Its performance should be equivalent to that of a 3.5 hp four-stroke engine. More powerful versions are to follow in the course of the year

The Avator 7.5e delivers 750 watts of power to the propeller shaft and, according to the manufacturer, achieves a similar speed and acceleration to a four-stroke internal combustion engine with 3.5 hp. A replaceable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of one kilowatt hour is used to store energy. This results in a calculated operating time of around 45 minutes at full engine power. More than sufficient for use as a dinghy drive or for smaller inflatable boats.

The battery was developed together with Mastervolt and specially designed for use at sea. It operates at 48 volts and is inserted into the head of the electric outboard motor. The battery is also designed to be shock-resistant and waterproof to IP67.

The energy storage unit is charged using an external 230-volt charger with 110 watts of power. According to the manufacturer, an optional fast charger will be available. More detailed information is not yet available. However, the charger should display the current battery status and the estimated remaining runtime. The published photos suggest that the charge status can also be read directly on the battery. During operation, the remaining capacity, remaining runtime and estimated range are shown on a colour display on the motor.

Networked & remote controlled

With the optional Smart Craft Connect module, the Avator can also be paired with the Mercury app. A GPS-supported range display and route planning will then be available. The app can also display the speed, battery status, operating hours of the electric outboard motor and system messages.

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Due to the battery integrated in the head, the motor does not appear particularly compact; according to the manufacturer, it should weigh 19.5 kilograms without energy storage, making it similar in weight to a comparable combustion engine. However, thanks to the tiller folding into a handle, it should be easy to carry. The battery weighs around 7.1 kilograms. In addition to the standard steering tiller, a remote control will also be available. Prices have not yet been published.

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Hauke Schmidt

Hauke Schmidt

Test & Technology editor

Hauke Schmidt was born in Hanau, Hesse, in 1974, but moved to the coast at the age of an Opti and grew up sailing dinghies and tall ships. School and semester breaks were used for extensive Baltic Sea cruises. During and after his oceanography studies in Kiel, he took part in various international research trips to tropical and polar regions. The focus was on ocean currents and their influence on climate change. Eventually he was drawn back to his home coast and to YACHT. He completed a traineeship there and has been working as an editor in the Test & Technology department since 2009. His core tasks include equipment and boat testing, as well as practical topics relating to electronics, seamanship and refits. As a passionate DIY enthusiast, he loves to spend his summers on the water with his family and winters working on his boat

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