For centuries, boating has been synonymous with adventure, relaxation, and utility. Over the years, technological advancements have evolved to accommodate the changing needs and preferences of boat owners and enthusiasts, leading to the question: “Electric vs gas boat motor: which is best?”
Traditional gas outboards or “combustion” motors still have their value, offering exceptional power and endurance. However, as boat owners continue to prioritize eco-friendliness, quiet operation, low maintenance, and increased torque, demand for electric outboard motors is growing.
Here, we’ll explore the major differences between gas and electric outboard motors, covering everything from performance elements, to total cost ownership and repair costs, to help you decide which motor option is right for you.
Both gas-powered motors and electric boat engines have value to offer in different circumstances. They can each contribute to an enhanced boating experience in their own way, but have different values when it comes to energy density, environmental benefits, and overall performance.
The gas motor has been the industry standard for decades, due to its versatility and robust performance. Combustion-powered boats are everywhere, offering the high horsepower necessary for larger boats and vessels, as well as consistent performance.
However gas motors have downsides. They’re prone to fuel spills, can be harmful to the environment, rely on expensive fossil fuels, and require consistent maintenance.
With the continuous advancement of electric outboard motor technology, high-performance electric outboard motors now deliver exceptional performance, making them the ideal choice for commercial users focused on environmental sustainability and cost saving.
Leading electric outboard motors, like the ExploMar WAVE 300 offer remarkable torque unmatched energy efficiency, and reliable performance, without contributing to water pollution. These motors are revolutionizing the boating industry, reducing the need for regular maintenance, and powering more peaceful fishing experiences.
Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the electric vs gas boat motor.
Power and torque are crucial factors when deciding between gas and electric boat motors. These attributes determine a motor’s ability to accelerate, handle heavy loads, and perform efficiently across different boating scenarios.
Gasoline outboard engines are known for their high RPMs, a characteristic that makes them very suitable for high-speed small and medium-sized boats. Most recreational boats use gasoline outboard engines to provide continuous power and enhance performance.
Additionally, gas engines maintain consistent power output across a wide RPM range. This reliability ensures that even when pushing the engine hard, boaters can depend on steady performance. With the innovative advancements in electric outboard motor performance, an increasing number of customers are choosing electric outboard motors for vessels like leisure boats, fishing boards, eco-tourism boats, military and patrol boats, and more.
The speed and range of both gas and electric motors can vary depending on the advanced technology they use, and the overall design of the vessel. The gas engine was traditionally the superior option for range and speed. In traditional boats, gas and petrol outboards allow vehicles to cover large distances without the need for frequent refuelling and stops.
The ability of traditional gas outboards to deliver consistent high-speed performance, even under challenging conditions, or when dealing with heavy loads makes them ideal for long-haul cruising and offshore fishing.
Recently, however, advancements in electric power options has led to significantly increased range and speed in electric motors. Modern electric power motors can achieve impressive speeds, particularly for light and mid-sized boats, and are excellent for short and mid-range excursions, such as short, relaxing fishing trips or journeys.
Additionally, the use of standard battery options in electric motors, compatible with traditional electric vehicle charging stations, is making these motors more convenient. Electric power is now easier to access than ever before, and some boats can even support extra batteries for long-haul trips.
One of the standout advantages of electric boat motors is their ability to operate with zero direct emissions. This not only enhances the boater’s experience with a quieter, cleaner ride but also significantly reduces environmental impact.
By contrast, a gas-powered outboard can emit nearly 10,000 pounds of carbon annually with moderate use, underscoring the environmental cost of traditional combustion engines. Gas outboards are notoriously inefficient. The cost per nautical mile with a gas engine varies based on fuel prices, which tend to fluctuate significantly. High-performance gas engines often require large amounts of fuel, particularly at higher speeds or when pushing heavier boats.
Electric outboards, in contrast, excel in efficiency. Electric motors convert a higher percentage of energy from the battery into usable propulsion, minimizing energy waste. For instance, the ExploMar electric outboard motors (WAVE300) achieve up to 95% energy transmission efficiency.
Charging costs are notably lower than refuelling with gas too, often equating to pennies per nautical mile. Advances in renewable energy and home charging setups can further reduce operating costs.
Noise and vibration levels caused by a gas or electric motor don’t just have an impact on your boating experience. They can affect the comfort of passengers and crew, and have an impact on the surrounding marine environment.
Gas powered motors are known for their distinct engine roar, which intensifies at higher speeds or power outputs. The combustion process, combined with mechanical vibrations from the engine and propeller, creates substantial noise, which increases as boaters build power. This can make conversations difficult and limit access to noise-restricted waterways.
Alternatively, electric outboards operate with almost silent precision. They create minimal vibration, for a smoother, more serene ride. This quietness improves overall boating experiences, reduces environmental impact, and can make electric boats more practical for certain use cases, such as tourism, fishing- where silence is crucial.
While electric boats may have higher upfront costs initially, they require far less maintenance than there gas-powered alternatives. Gas outboards are more mechanically complex, relying on various moving parts like valves and pistons. This leads to a greater need for regular maintenance, such as oil changes, spark plug checks, and fuel filter replacements.
The engines are also more prone to wear and tear due to combustion residue, heat, and friction. Electric outboards, such as the ExploMar ourboard motors feature simpler designs, no-clutch gearboxes, and fewer moving parts. This simplicity minimizes maintenance needs.
You won’t have to pay as often for complex component replacements or oil changes, and your system will be less prone to breakdowns. Electric motors can often outlast their gas counterparts when they’re properly cared for, leading to far lower operation costs, and fewer headaches.
As regulations continue to emerge influencing how boaters traverse the waters, sustainability is becoming more of an essential consideration for many. Gas and combustion engines pose a significant risk to the environment in numerous ways.
The combustion process generates greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Additionally, unburned fuel and oil leaks are common, often ending up in waterways and harming aquatic life. Even winterization chemicals like antifreeze used in a traditional boat can harm water quality and disrupt machine life.
Compared to combustion engine boats, electric motors offer a far more eco-conscious solution. They not only provide users with some of the quietest motors, reducing noise pollution, but they have almost zero direct commissions. Operating electric motors produces no exhaust, preserving both air and water quality in sensitive environments.
To make an informed decision between electric vs gas motors, you need to think about more than just upfront costs. While electric motors can be more expensive initially, they generally have fewer additional costs to consider in the long-term.
Gas outboards might be more cost-effective upfront, with lower initial purchasing prices, however their actual running costs are much higher. Fuel expenses are a major factor, as gas and petrol prices continue to fluctuate. Plus, there are regular maintenance costs to consider too.
Over the lifespan of an engine, the price you pay to maintain and run your gas motor could be higher than the price you pay for the product itself. Electric motors, on the other-hand may have a steeper upfront price, but their more cost-effective in the long-term.
Their maintenance-free design, and the ability to pay less for the electric power required to fuel your motor leads to better long-term cost savings. The cost differences between paying for an electric motor and a gas motor can be extremely significant for those who plan on using their vessel regularly. Overall, electric motors offer better value for money, especially for commercial use.
Traditional gas motors still have their benefits, but in the battle between electric vs gas boat motors, electric options are quickly rising to the top. Gas motors might excel at delivering range, and thrive in long-distance journeys and heavy duty tasks, but they have numerous downsides. They’re more expensive to operate in the long-term, require greater maintenance, and cause more noise, vibrations, and pollution than their electric alternatives.
Electric outboard motors, on the other hand, offer an incredible combination of efficiency, sustainability, and low maintenance requirements. They might have a higher purchasing cost upfront, but they offer a more effective way to keep costs low, and achieve your sustainability goals.
The flexibility, versatility, and growing performance capabilities of cutting-edge electric outboard motors, like the ExploMar outboard systems (e.g.,WAVE 300, WAVE150+), are prompting a massive change in the industry. Going forward, we’re likely to see a growing dominance among electric outboards as the preferred choice for countless boating and marine transportation use cases.
