Video: World speed record chased by electric outboard powertrain system
S. Himmelstein | June 17, 2021
Illustration of the Fulgura I with the twin E-Motion outboard system. Source: Vision Marine Technologies
The E-Motion 180E powertrain from Vision Marine Technologies Inc. is touted as the most powerful electric outboard available and may soon become the world's fastest.
The zero-emissions and noiseless E-Motion 180 hp outboard motor will be installed in a Hellkats Powerboats 32-ft Super-Sport Widebody Catamaran. Reaching a top speed higher than 100 mph will enable Vision Marine to claim the high-speed record for electric powerboats and help the company compete with the traditional internal combustion engine boating industry.
This first fully electric purpose-built outboard powertrain system combines an advanced 60 kWh lithium battery pack, inverter, 220 V marine connecting charger and high-efficiency 650 V motor with proprietary union assembly between the transmission and the electric motor design utilizing extensive control software.
The limited edition Fulgura I catamaran fitted with the twin E-Motion powertrain will hit the water in November 2021.
One gallon of gasoline contains approximately 36 kW-hr of thermal energy.
The battery pack of this vessel is rated at 60 kW-hr. That's a little less than two gallons of gasoline in thermal energy.
Factoring in the efficiency of a high-performance gasoline engine (~20%), that means you can store the same effective motive energy with about ten gallons of gasoline.
I'm guessing this boat isn't going to travel very far.