UQM motors and controllers power new all-electric outboard motor
22 January 2013
UQM Technologies, Inc. electric motors and controllers are powering the new Regen Nautic E180 all-electric outboard motor introduced this week at the Dusseldorf Boat Show. Regen Nautic has also developed series-hybrid electric systems for yachts, trawlers, and sailboats over 50 feet using UQM components.
The E180 uses a UQM PowerPhase Select 145 electric motor and controller system, mounting them inside a traditional-looking outboard motor package. Regen Nautic says that the E180 has power-output equivalent to a 180-horsepower gas-powered outboard motor. The system is controlled via an easy-to-use push-button interface at the helm station created by Regen Nautic.
The E180 electric system mounts and operates much like a traditional outboard motor. This provides a viable option for those wanting electric power to significantly reduce operating costs, as well as remove their carbon footprint from watersports.
—Pierre Caouette, ReGen Nautic President and COO
I give up. Where does the electric power come from? A very long extension cord?
Posted by: sd | 22 January 2013 at 08:14 AM
New/used Leaf/Volt/.. batteries.
Posted by: kelly | 22 January 2013 at 09:56 AM
With solar/wind, maybe dockside power, for harbor manuvering?
Posted by: kelly | 22 January 2013 at 10:00 AM
If you look on the UQM PowerPhase Select page, you'll see that the system requires DC input of 340-420 volts to achieve full power.
That's quite a battery bank. On the other hand, 85 kW continuous is a boat-load of push too.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 22 January 2013 at 11:08 AM
http://www.mynissanleaf.com/wiki/index.php?title=Battery_specs (~2 should meet full power)
Type Laminated lithium-ion battery
Voltage 403.2V [1]
Nominal voltage 360V [2]
Posted by: kelly | 22 January 2013 at 02:54 PM
Take a Leaf to a chop-shop to get your boat battery?
The Leaf only carries 24 kWh, so you wouldn't be doing very much full-power cruising.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 22 January 2013 at 06:10 PM
what about brake regen?
Posted by: Herm | 23 January 2013 at 03:12 AM
E-P, quick-and-dirty sailboat or pollution-free outboard ship harbor manuvering might be all that's needed.
Then again, 80% retaining charge Leaf batteries might be really cheap, weight isn't much problem on ships, and Nissan already has the electronics for general/household utility power.
Ships need video and refridgerators too.
Posted by: kelly | 23 January 2013 at 07:38 AM
Your typical auxiliary for a 35-foot sailboat (displacement hull) is 7 HP. This outboard is 200 HP, clearly aimed at powerboats.
I'd love to have a 4 kW version of this thing. It would be a perfect replacement for a gas trolling motor on a small planing or medium pontoon hull.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 23 January 2013 at 09:08 AM
Buy the smallest Honda inverter generators to charge the trolling batteries and use an electric trolling motor. ..HG..
Posted by: Henry Gibson | 15 February 2013 at 01:09 PM