Comparing Electric and Gasoline Outboards: Achieving Power Efficiency
Electric motors can generate equivalent propulsive power to combustion engines while requiring significantly less shaft power. This distinction arises from the distinct torque curves of electric and gasoline engines. Gasoline engines exhibit a distinct torque peak within a limited engine speed range, while electric motors maintain a more consistent and flatter torque curve across all engine speeds.
This characteristic allows electric motors to utilize more efficient propellers, even in lower performance classes, compared to gasoline engines. Propeller efficiency in lower horsepower categories can differ up to threefold between gasoline outboards and electric outboards.
While the use of combustion engines is increasingly restricted or banned, especially in sensitive water areas, this shouldn't hinder your boating pleasure.
