Electric...

[Murky Dregs]

https://visionmarinetechnologies.com/e-motion/180e

Looks interesting...

 

[thataway]

It is hard to find much about this motor. However it is out of the range of most of use C Dory owners:

The full E-Motion 180E package prices in at a cool $78,990

Range is about 70 miles at 17 knots, and it requires 220 V overnight to recharge.

I don't see the weight of engine and batteries (LiFePO4).. They do run it on a jackplate, there appears to be motor water cooling and I suspect battery water cooling (seems to be a constant discharge from a thru hull). This does mean a little more maintenance than zero--keeping impellers and strainers functioning well.

Runs on 650 volt battery...


But it is a significant advance. There are other manufactures at 150hp and in the works many more hp.

 

[Murky Dregs]

However it is out of the range of most of use C Dory owners:

The full E-Motion 180E package prices in at a cool $78,990

Oof. I was looking for a price but couldn't find it.

Seems like this is a few years out. they need to get it close to the same $.

 

[JamesTXSD]

It's going to cost a pretty penny for Harvey to repower with twins! :shock:

 

[thataway]

It will be interesting to see if the price of electric comes down with increased scale of production. One issue is that lithium is scarce, and has gone way up in price in the last few weeks. There will continue to be a large demand for the Li batteries. It is very possible that other technology will come along. The electric motors, housings, and electronics should come down in price.

The other source of batteries may be recycled car or industrial batteries. Not sure I would want those for a long voyage, but for local use--might. be a good deal.
There have been a number of the electric launchs around many harbors for a long time. They run well, and last a long time, using standard lead acid batteries.

 

[hardee]

It's going to cost a pretty penny for Harvey to repower with twins! :shock:

Well now Jim, :? I'd be more than happy to if you want to write the grant, and get the ball rolling, I think it could happen. Then we will also need a good trucking company connection to take care of all that extension cord we will needed on my next trip up the BC coast to Alaska. :wink:

Let's see, 70 trips, 3.5 hours. So only one time across Jun de Fuca, (2 hours marina to marina, and an over night stay on the BIG POWER cords.) Gonna be some long extension cords.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

 

[forrest]

I wonder what exotic forms of electrochemical corrosion will occur caused by the electric field in a high voltage electric motor in saltwater.

 

[Murky Dregs]

I wonder what exotic forms of electrochemical corrosion will occur caused by the electric field in a high voltage electric motor in saltwater.

I'd like to think they've taken lessons from submarine technology.

Subs have been running electric propulsion since the '30's.

 

[Karl Konecny]

I have worked in electric submarine propulsion for years and there are a few murky issues with this motor and battery. First, they offer a 60 kWh battery. At 180 hp (134 kW) the battery would be fully discharged in less than 27 minutes so WOT must be used sparingly. The estimate of 70 miles in 3.5 hours means that the motor is only drawing 17 kW (23hp) from the battery. Our efficient C-Dorys would have to be running very light to make 20 mph at that power. Recharging is another issue, common marina power is 30 amp 120 volt which safely provides 3 kW of power so it would take at least 20 hours for a full recharge. With a 30 amp 220 volt outlet, you could reduce that to 10 hours. All is actually a bit worse than I have stated as these calculations assume 100% efficiency -- 90%-95% is more realistic.
All this being said I am very optimistic about the future of electric propulsion on cruising boats. The main issue is cost efficient batteries with enough energy storage. We have great motors and controllers now, the batteries will come along.