How to Choose the Right Electric Outboard Motor for Your Boat: A Quick Guide

With the development of clean energy technologies, electric outboard motors are gradually replacing traditional fuel-powered engines, becoming the preferred choice for various types of boats such as leisure boats, fishing vessels, and small workboats. Compared with traditional fuel engines, electric outboard motors are not only environmentally friendly with zero emissions, but also offer advantages such as low noise, simple maintenance, and low operating costs. ExploMar is committed to providing the boating industry with high-performance electric outboard motor systems that are highly integrated, standardized, and easy to install and use. This article will help you quickly understand the core advantages of ExploMar’s electric outboard motor systems and provide professional selection recommendations based on different boat types.

ExploMar’s complete electric solution includes:
Electric Outboard Motor System Solutions

• WAVE Electric Outboard Motor (lightweight, high torque, high efficiency, maintenance-free)
• Super/Island (SI) High-Performance Lithium Battery (high energy density, maintenance-free, lightweight design)
• Smart Control System (easy to operate, fault diagnosis system, high scalability)
• Supporting Charging Equipment: 7kW / 40kW / 120kW charging stations, solar-storage-charging integrated stations

5S Energy Station (Solar-Powered Charging and Storage Station)

• integrates solar power generation, energy storage, grid access, and charging（Solar→Self-supply→Storage→Scale→Sales）

How to match the electric outboard motor system to your boat type?

Below are ExploMar’s electric outboard motor system combinations, covering power output from 70HP to 1200HP and battery capacity from 60kWh to 1080kWh:
•  70+ HP: Small boats, 60–120kWh
•  150+ to 300 HP: Medium boats, 180–270kWh
•  600–1200 HP: Commercial or large vessels, up to 1080kWh

• Power system options include single-motor, twin-motor, and quad-motor configurations. Twin and quad systems consist of independent units, offering not only higher total power output but also redundant power for enhanced safety.
• ExploMar’s electric outboard motor systems can meet the power demands of planing craft from 4 to 25 meters, while also being adaptable for displacement-type vessels:

1.Planing Craft – Selection Recommendations
Core Requirements:Primarily suited for 4–25 meter planing craft, with emphasis on minimum planing power and lightweight needs
Battery Solution:Super/Island high-energy-density batteries (weighing only 50% of traditional LFP lithium batteries)
Outboard Advantage: WAVE electric outboard motors deliver higher torque compared to fuel engines of the same power, offsetting the impact of battery weight on planing
Power Matching: Based on fuel engine horsepower or calculated planing power
Use Case Categories:
Commercial Workboats: Operate efficiently at 25–30 knots; select battery capacity based on range estimation chart
High-End Leisure Boats: Optional semi-solid 240kWh battery (only 30% weight of traditional LFP), suitable for higher speed demands

2. Displacement Craft – Selection Recommendations
Core Requirements: Commercial scenarios, mid-to-large vessels over 25 meters, such as small ferries and cruise boats
Cost-Efficient Solution: Small-capacity battery (e.g., 150HP + 90kWh, 300HP + 180kWh) + fast charging (120kW fast charger, recharges in 30–60 minutes)
Long-Range Solution: Large-capacity battery (e.g., 70HP + 120kWh, 300HP + 270kWh) + low-speed cruising (up to 60% increase in range)
Power Matching: Estimate based on traditional fuel engine horsepower; actual energy consumption is typically lower, offering better efficiency
Energy-Saving Operations: Reduce cruising speed + fast charging during the day (1C rate, full charge in 1 hour) + slow charging overnight, minimizing battery size requirements
Long-Term Planning: Build 5S Energy Stations at commercial docks for more sustainable and fully eco-friendly operations.

#1 Match the Right WAVE Series Electric Outboard Motor Based on Boat Type and Application

The WAVE series of standardized electric outboard motors includes three main models with the following core specifications:

#2 Understand Battery Configuration and Energy Consumption – Super/Island (SI) Battery Systems

Super/Island (SI) high-energy island battery and HEDB high-energy semi-solid-state battery:

1）Super/Island (SI) Battery

• The SI series batteries offer standard modules based on two voltage platforms, 60kWh (400V) and 90kWh (800V), which can be flexibly combined under the same platform:

400V: SI60 = 60kWh, SI120 = 2*60kWh

800V: SI90 = 90kWh, SI180 = 2*90kWh, SI270 = 3*90kWh

• Standard dimensions (Width*Height: 710mm*300mm) make installation easier, allowing for optimized use of width and height in the stern compartment, with more flexibility in adjusting the center of gravity along the length.
• Dual thermal management system, which is also intelligent Battery Monitoring, adapts to both extreme heat and cold environments.
• Equipped with high-energy-density NMC battery cells, weighing only 50% of traditional LFP batteries.

2）HEDB High-Energy Semi-Solid-State Battery

• Single pack capacity: 240kWh, 800V platform
• Semi-solid-state cell technology ensures excellent low-temperature performance and exceptional safety
• High energy density—only 30% of the weight of traditional LFP batteries—with extended cycle life
• Dual thermal management to ensure stable output in extreme weather conditions
• The HEDB series is ideal for premium vessel users seeking ultra-long range, enhanced safety, and performance stability in extreme environments.

#3 Key Features Should Focus On

• Fully Integrated Propulsion System: Each electric outboard system provided by ExploMar is a fully integrated solution, including the Smart Captain intelligent control system, PDU energy management module, waterproof touch LCD display, and electronic steering system on selected models. This ensures user-friendly operation and stable performance.
• WAVE Series Outboard Configuration Notes: All WAVE series electric outboards support multiple shaft length options. Users can select the appropriate shaft length based on the boat type. The system is compatible with the industry-standard 14° (±2°) transom mounting angle. Higher-end models come integrated with electronic steering systems. Please refer to the product manual for detailed specifications and configuration recommendations.
• Battery Layout and Installation Notes: Super/Island (SI) and HEDB series batteries are designed with fixed length and width dimensions and consistent weight, making them easy to install in the original fuel tank position of traditional boats.  If “Hull Porpoising Motion” occurs during navigation, optimizing battery layout can effectively improve vessel balance.

4) Charging System Overview: All systems come standard with a 7kW portable slow charger, compatible with common 120V–220V single-phase AC power sources, ideal for everyday charging needs. For users requiring fast energy replenishment, high-power fast charging components are also available as optional upgrades for more efficient charging.

#4  FAQ

Q1: How to calculate the required battery capacity for my boat?

A: You can refer to the vessel’s energy consumption chart to select the appropriate battery capacity that meets the desired cruising range. If your boat requires a longer cruising range, consider a hybrid system combining battery and fuel power.

Q2: What is the difference between LFP/NMC/Semi-Solid State batteries?

A: The three battery types are compared as follows:
LFP Battery: High safety, long lifespan, but low energy density
NMC Battery: High energy density, good low-temperature performance, but higher cost
Semi-Solid-State Battery: Combines ultra-high energy density and lightweight advantages, suitable for scenarios requiring extreme range and weight reduction.

Q3: Recommended Battery Types for Different Vessels

(1) Commercial Vessels (Ship) (Large Ferries / Workboats / Cargo Ships)

Recommended Battery: LFP Battery (Standard Container Format)

Reason: Low cost, long lifespan, high safety; suitable for low-speed cargo ships that are not sensitive to weight.

Case: A 1000-ton inland river cargo ship uses LFP + fast charging (1C), reducing initial investment.

(2) High-Performance Planing Boats / Speedboats (Boat)

Recommended Battery: NMC Battery

Reason: Balances performance and cost, lightweight (enhances speed/range), high energy density (reduces volume), offsetting the weight disadvantage of electric systems.

Case: Speedboats or small inter-island ferries use 270kWh NCM batteries, reducing weight by over 50% compared to LFP.

(3) Mid-to-High-End Leisure Boats / Sport Boats / Racing Speedboats

Recommended Battery: High-Energy Semi-Solid-State Battery

Reason: Extreme lightweight design leads to lower drag and better performance.

Note: Balance cost, usage frequency, and battery lifespan.

(4) Vessels Operating in Extreme Environments (Polar / Low Temperature)

Recommended Battery: NMC + Dual Thermal Management System or Semi-Solid-State Battery, as LFP has poor low-temperature performance and should be selected with caution.

Q4: How to Determine Which WAVE Electric Outboard System Fits Your Boat Size?

1) Confirm the transom mounting angle of the boat, compatible with the industry standard angle of 14° (±2°)

2) Mounting holes and quantity are similar to those of fuel products; refer to the user manual for guidance

3) Choose the appropriate shaft length of the electric outboard based on the fuel outboard shaft length calculation method

4) Ensure the structural strength of the transom where the outboard is mounted to support normal propulsion and porpoising conditions