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Mercury took to the CES 2023 show to unveil its latest electric outboard motor for small boats. Meet the Mercury Avator 7.5e.

The unit is an all-in-one propulsion package that includes the motor, battery, and electronics in a self-contained system. It is designed for small watercraft that accept transom-mount outboards.

The Avator 7.5e delivers on Mercury Marine’s recent pledge to double down on electric boating.

As Mercury Marine’s president Chris Drees explained, the company’s extensive history in the marine industry was key in facilitating its expansion into electric drives:

We are excited to formally introduce the Avator 7.5e electric outboard to the world. As the innovation leader in the marine industry, both in internal combustion products and now electric propulsion, we have the resources and knowledge to make boating more accessible to more people, while building on our commitment to sustainability. The Avator program is helping us do this in new and exciting ways.

Mercury Avator 7.5e outboard launched

The Avator 7.5e isn’t a particularly powerful system, with just a 750W continuous-rated motor. That’s equivalent to one horsepower, though the electric drive means that the higher torque system can do more with less power.

Mercury says that the motor performs closer in performance to a Mercury 3.5hp FourStroke outboard with comparable speed and acceleration figures.

Part of the reason the motor competes so well against more powerful gas engines is that it uses a transverse flux electric motor. That design has a different copper coil winding design that increases low-speed torque and efficiency.

mercury avator 7.5 electric outboard boat motor

A watertight lid on the top of the motor’s console opens to reveal a battery compartment. Mercury’s 1 kWh battery packs slide into the console and are swappable to allow longer range without needing to stop and recharge.

A single 48V battery is said to be good for only 45 minutes when motoring flat out, though slower speeds help increase that run time. Carrying a second or third battery makes it easy to stay out longer or travel farther distances. The 16-pound (7 kg) batteries were developed in partnership with Mastervolt and engineered exclusively for marine applications. The power packs have passed drop tests and are IP67 rated for water resistance.

The Mercury Avator 7.5e includes a multipurpose tiller handle that can adjust up, down, left, or right for comfortable steering from any position or with either hand and also folds down to become a convenient carrying handle. The entire unit weighs 43 pounds (19.5 kg) with the transom mount, meaning it can be carried for short distances. The boat can be beached or docked, and then the entire drive system can be removed and brought along with the boater.

That was part of the design to make use of electric propulsion’s unique advantages, as Mercury Marine’s vice president, Tim Reid, explained:

Every aspect, from the controls, props and digital gauges to a mobile app, are designed as parts of a complete propulsion system specifically designed for the advantages of electric propulsion.

Mercury reportedly has larger Avator motors in the works, including the Avator 20e and 35e, which are expected to hit the market later this year.

Electrek’s Take

I’m quite impressed with the design. The Avator 7.5e looks slick and easy to use, and I like the way it can be easily removed. I imagine that theft could be an issue (this certainly won’t be a cheap system), so being able to easily carry it with you instead of leaving it on a docked boat is a nice feature.

The 1 kWh batteries aren’t particularly large, but the unit isn’t particularly powerful either, so it’s not like you’ll be burning through the batteries in 20 minutes. Having a few spares is a good idea, and they’re around the size of a small gas can that many boaters would already be accustomed to carrying onboard.

The power isn’t very high, but it’s likely fine for someone who just wants to take their 12-foot skiff out for some fishing on the lake. Obviously, you’re not going to be taking this motor out into large gulfs, oceans, or raging rivers, but for fairly calm waterways, it seems sufficient. And of course, this won’t compare to the motors that power larger electric watercraft since those are entirely different beasts.

The whole system looks like it’d be quick and easy to install, turning a boat into an electric boat in just a couple of minutes. I’d love to try one of these out because, so far, I’m quite impressed with what I’m seeing on paper.

And it definitely looks a lot nicer than the motor in my cheap Chinese electric boat.

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Yamaha throws in the towel, pulls out of e-bike market in North America

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Yamaha throws in the towel, pulls out of e-bike market in North America

Yamaha has announced to its dealers that it will be pulling its e-bikes out of the North American market at the end of this year. In the meantime, the brand says that it will offer sales of up to 60% off for its remaining inventory and continue to support its e-bikes already sold in the US for at least five more years.

Yamaha’s electric bikes have been well-received in global markets and have also received rave reviews in the US. However, the company’s higher prices make it harder to compete in the North American market, which is dominated by value-oriented models with significantly lower price points.

Yamaha’s various electric bikes designed for commuting, fitness, and mountain biking all feature higher-end components, which has resulted in the company competing more directly with premium bicycle shops. The company’s elaborate frames and in-house motors have added value to their models, yet have also contributed to a more premium price range.

Meanwhile, Yamaha hasn’t been immune to the same sales slowdown and overstocking issues that have plagued the e-bike industry over the last few years, as the company explained to its dealers in the letter seen below.

“Dear Yamaha eBike Dealer,

We want to thank you for your partnership and for your business in purchasing and retailing Yamaha eBikes, and for proudly representing the Yamaha brand. However, as you know, the combination of a post-COVID oversupply within the entire bicycle industry, coupled with a significant softening of the market, has resulted in a particularly challenging business environment where it is extremely difficult to achieve a sustainable business model. Given these market conditions, we regret to inform you that Yamaha has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the U.S. eBike business and cease wholesaling units effective the end of this year.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) entered the U.S. eBike market in 2018, and we have enjoyed the opportunity to partner with you these past six years to sell exciting, high-quality, all-road, mountain, and fitness/lifestyle eBikes.

We will continue to support your dealership in the sell down of your inventory by extending the current “Fan Promotion” program where customers may receive up to 60% off their purchase of a new Yamaha eBike. This “Fan Promotion” program will be offered on all units retailed and warranty registered through June 30, 2025. YMUS will continue to provide parts, service, and customer support in the United States both now and in support of our limited 5-year warranty.

Finally, we wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to you and your staff for your dedication and support of the Yamaha eBike business.

Thank you for your understanding and support.”

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Toyota to buy clean power from a $1.1 billion solar farm in Texas

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Toyota to buy clean power from a .1 billion solar farm in Texas

Enbridge, a Canadian energy company, just announced it’s moving forward with an 815-megawatt (MW) solar project called Sequoia in Texas. When it’s done, it’ll be one of the largest solar farms in North America. The project’s price tag is a hefty $1.1 billion.

Enbridge’s Sequoia, around 150 miles west of Dallas, has already landed long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with AT&T and Toyota, ensuring most of its output is sold for years to come. This deal was highlighted in Enbridge’s third-quarter report on Friday.

Sequoia will be built in two phases, with power expected to start flowing in 2025 and 2026. Enbridge says it’s taken steps to reduce risks by securing equipment and procurement contracts in advance. Permits and purchase orders are also locked down.

Toyota’s PPA with Enbridge’s Texas solar project is part of Toyota’s broader push toward sustainability, as the automaker aims to achieve net zero by 2035 and match 45% of its purchased power with renewable electricity by 2026 as it still clings to its “diverse powertrain strategy.”


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NIO’s EV sales top 20,000 for the sixth straight month as new low-cost SUV shows promise

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NIO's EV sales top 20,000 for the sixth straight month as new low-cost SUV shows promise

With its new electric SUV rolling out, NIO’s (NIO) sales topped the 20,000 mark again in Oct, its sixth straight month hitting the milestone.

NIO sold 20,976 vehicles last month, up 30.5% from October 2023. The NIO brand sold 16,657 vehicles, while its new “family-oriented smart vehicle brand,” Onvo, contributed 4,319 in its first full sales month.

After launching its new mid-size Onvo L60 electric SUV in September, NIO said production and deliveries are steadily ramping up.

At the end of October, NIO’s Onvo had 166 Centers and Spaces throughout 60 cities. Onvo plans to continue expanding its network to drive future growth.

NIO’s new electric SUV starts at around $21,200 (149,900) and is a direct rival to Tesla’s Model Y. The base $21K model is if you rent the battery. Even with the battery included, Onvo L60 prices still start at under $30,000 (206,900 yuan), with a CLTC range of up to 341 miles (555 km). That’s still less than the Model Y.

Tesla’s Model Y RWD starts at around $35,000 (249,900 yuan) with 344 mi (554 km) CLTC range in China.

NIO's-Oct-sales
Onvo L60 electric SUV models (Source: NIO Onvo)

NIO’s new Onvo brand drives higher Oct sales

NIO has often compared its new electric SUV to the Model Y, claiming it’s superior in many ways. The L60 has better consumption at 12.1 kWh/100km compared to the Model Y at 12.5 kWh/100km).

With a longer wheelbase (2,950 mm vs 2,890 mm), NIO’s electric SUV also provides slightly more interior space.

NIO's-Oct-sales
NIO Onvo L60 electric SUV (Source: Onvo)

Despite the L60’s success so far, NIO believes its second Onvo model will be an even bigger hit. It could be a potential game-changer.

“If you think the L60 is good, then this new model is a much more competitive product,” NIO’s CEO William Li told CnEVPost after launching the L60. Onvo will launch a new EV every year. Following the L60, Onvo will launch a new mid-to-large-size electric SUV next year.

NIO’s leader claims the new model will be revolutionary. According to Li, it will offer even more surprises than the L60. Deliveries are planned to begin in Q3 2025.

NIO Onvo L60 vs Tesla Model Y trims Range
(CLTC)
Starting Price
NIO Onvo L60 (Battery rental) 555 km (341 mi)
730 km (454 mi)
149,900 yuan ($21,200)
NIO Onvo L60 (60 kWh) 555 km (341 mi) 206,900 yuan ($29,300)
NIO Onvo L60 (85 kWh) 730 km (454 mi) 235,900 yuan ($33,400)
NIO Onvo L60 (150 kWh) +1,000 km (+621 mi) TBD
Tesla Model Y RWD 554 km (344 mi) 249,900 yuan ($34,600)
Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range 688 km (427 mi) 290,900 yuan ($40,300)
Tesla Model Y AWD Performance 615 km (382 mi) 354,900 yuan ($49,100)
NIO Onvo L60 compared to Tesla Model Y prices and range in China

Local reports suggest a six-or seven-seat electric SUV could hit the market even sooner. With rumors of a launch around Q1 2025, deliveries could happen as soon as May 2025.

According to sources close to the matter, the L60 is just a “stepping stone” with even more exciting EVs on the way. The source claimed the new six-seat option will start at around $42,100 (300,000 yuan).

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