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Electric boats could be getting faster as Torqeedo debuts new motors with twice the power

Torqeedo is an industry leader in electric motors for aquatic applications. The company is known for producing a wide range of motors from 500 W to 50 kW.

Now that power is doubling, as Torqeedo has announced their new line of electric motors rated for 100 kW, along with a number of new smaller motors as well.

Torqeedo 100 kW Deep Blue motors

Torqeedo’s newest Deep Blue 100 kW motors were developed into two different models, one for speed boats and one for displacement boats.

The 100 kW Deep Blue 100i 2400 is the higher RPM version designed to provide quick acceleration and high top speeds. The motor’s 390 Nm of torque should help speedboats rise onto a plane faster than conventional combustion engines due to the instantly available torque inherent to electric motors. The 2,400 RPM motor uses a direct-drive design that offers low maintenance – another advantage over combustion engines.

The Deep Blue 100i 900 is the lower RPM version of the same 100 kW motor. Its lower RPM is better suited to large displacement boats such as yachts up to 120 ft (37 m) long.

According to Torqeedo:

“This new addition to the Deep Blue family delivers 100 kW of continuous, emission-free power, ultimate torque, low maintenance and is powered by high-capacity Deep Blue batteries with technology by BMW.”

BMW i3 battery integration

Torqeedo first inked a deal with BMW last summer to use its BMW i3 battery packs. Back then the i3 was still sporting a relatively small 33 kWh pack.

BMW recently announced an upgrade to the i3’s battery with a larger 42.2 kWh battery pack. Not only is that new pack extending the range of the i3, but electric watercraft will enjoy the upgrade as well. Torqeedo announced that they too will now be supplying the upgraded BMW i3 battery pack as part of their energy storage system designed for electric boats.

According to the company:

“The new 40 kWh Deep Blue battery (i3-type) brings the latest in automotive-grade lithium-ion technology from the famed motor works of BMW into the marine industry, offering a more than 30 percent increase in energy storage capacity over its predecessor with no increase in footprint. It can be charged up to 75 percent capacity in as little as 1.5 hours when properly equipped and with adequate shore power. The new battery features industry-leading energy density and a comprehensive safety system. Torqeedo has tailored the characteristics of the Deep Blue battery to make it suitable for the marine environment and is offering a nine-year limited battery capacity warranty.”

Torqeedo’s new smaller motors

In addition to large motors and batteries, Torqeedo also introduced new 2019 motors designed for smaller watercraft.

The company’s new Travel 1103 C motor is designed for small inflatable boats and dinghies. The 1.1 kW motor uses an integrated 915 Wh battery that snaps into place above the motor. The motor is equivalent to a 3 hp combustion engine and can power boats up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs).

It’s not a speedy motor, but Torqeedo claims it can provide 20 hours of power when trolling at 2 knots (3.7 km/h or 2.3 mph), which is equivalent to a range of 74 km (46 mi). At 5.5 knots (10 km/h or 6 mph), the range of the system with one battery drops to 10 km (6 mi). Not quite enough for pleasure cruising, but plenty for the dinghies and tenders that this system is built for.

Ultralight kayak electric motors

Torqeedo has also announced a new Ultralight system that can mount to a kayak and convert it into an electric boat.

Designed for the sport of kayak fishing, the Ultralight includes built-in GPS to help anglers navigate to prime fishing spots.

The Ultralight has two battery options, either 320 or 915 Wh. With the larger battery, the Ultralight can propel a kayak at 2.3 knots (4.2 km/h or 2.6 mph) for over 100 km (62 miles).

What do you think of the new line of Torqeedo motors? Will you be heading out in an electric boat soon? Let us know in the comments below.

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Avatar for Micah Toll Micah Toll

Micah Toll is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of the Amazon #1 bestselling books DIY Lithium Batteries, DIY Solar Power, The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide and The Electric Bike Manifesto.

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