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.
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.
Carry Anker’s 60,000mAh PowerCore Reserve station and keep devices running for $88
By way of its official Amazon storefront, Anker is offering its PowerCore Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank Station at $87.99 shipped, with it also coming in a few dollars under the brand’s current direct pricing. Normally costing $150 at full price, we’ve mostly seen discounts over the last year dropping costs between $110 and $90, though there have been a few select falls to $80, and recently we saw Prime Day take things to $75. While it may not be the new lowest price, you’re still looking at the third-best rate we have tracked, saving you $62 off the going rate while equipping you with a sizably reliable means to keep your personal devices juiced up and running.
Anker’s PowerCore Reserve power station, which you’ll also find sold under the name 548 Power Bank, is a five-pound backup power solution to top off personal devices with while you’re camping, cruising the roadways, hanging out on the beach, and much more. You’ll have a totable 60,000mAh/192Wh battery capacity here that beats out most power banks on the market while also delivering up to 60W speeds through either its two USB-A ports or two USB-C ports.
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Aside from its easy-to-carry design, it also comes sporting a convenient pop-up light for when you’re out in the dark of the wilderness or even without power at home, coming with two brightness levels alongside an S.O.S. mode to signal for help in emergencies. You can completely recharge its battery by plugging it into a wall outlet or by utilizing up to its 60W solar input to charge via the sun.
Schumacher’s 2025 level 1 portable EV charger plugs into any 120V outlet for on-the-go power at $130
Amazon is now offering the new Schumacher SEV1670 12A Level 1 Portable EV Charger at $129.59 shipped. This model hit the scene at the tail-end of May with a $160 price tag, which has only recently started seeing discounts, with the biggest of them being from the Prime Day sale event two weeks ago that saw the costs taken down to $128. Today’s deal comes in just $2 above that rate for the second-best pricing we have tracked, all while giving you $30 in savings.
Aiper’s new IrriSense smart irrigation system covers up to 4,800 square feet at $600 (second-ever discount)
Coming to us through its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is offering the second-ever discount on its new IrriSense Smart Irrigation System back to $599.99 shipped, matching directly from the brand’s website. This new smart irrigation device has only been on the market since May, with it usually going for $700 outside of the two price cuts we’ve seen. It first dropped to this same rate the day before Prime Day began, and hung on to the savings through the four-day event. Now, it’s coming back for a post-Prime second chance, saving you $100 while upgrading your lawn care routine with a smarter alternative.
Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch folding e-bikes make great first-time rides with four add-on accessories starting from $406
Amazon is offering quite the affordable bundle on Hoverfly’s H3 16-inch Folding e-bike in its orange colorway, and coming with four add-on accessories at $406.09 shipped, while its other colorways are seeing smaller discounts at higher rates. It’s dropping down from the $580 price tag today, with this being the first time we’ve spotted this particular bundle dropping so low. Before the fall to $425 during Prime Day, we only ever saw costs fall as low as $450, with all those rates beaten by the 30% markdown here that gives you $174 in savings and a new all-time low price. Along with the bike, you’ll be getting a front carrier bag, a rear cargo basket, a phone holder, and a rearview mirror to upgrade and elevate your experience.
The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.
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Hyundai is gearing up to go on a “full-scale attack” as it ramps up exports of its new flagship three-row EV. The IONIQ 9 is now rolling out in the US, South Korea, and Europe.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 three-row EV production picks up
After launching the IONIQ 9 in South Korea earlier this year, Hyundai had high hopes. However, the flagship electric SUV has struggled to gain traction in the automaker’s home market.
Hyundai is betting on overseas markets, including the US and Europe, to drive sales. In Korea, it has been steadily ramping up IONIQ 9 with plans to go on a “full-scale attack on Europe.”
An industry insider explained (via NewsIs) that “As Hyundai Motor Company speeds up its entry into overseas markets with the Ioniq 9, export volume will increase rapidly.”
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Since it shipped the first models in April, IONIQ 9 exports have tripled. In June, Hyundai exported 1,781, up from 1,482 in May and 539 in April. The higher exports are in preparation for sales kicking off in Europe. Hyundai revealed last week that the IONIQ 9 will start at £64,995 ($87,500).
Powered by a 110 kWh battery, the three-row EV features a WLTP driving range of up to 385 miles. On the EPA scale, it’s rated with up to 335 miles of driving range.
Hyundai IONIQ 9 at the Munich airport (Source: Hyundai)
Europe is not the only market that Hyundai is taking aim at. The automaker is using a two-track strategy. In the US, Hyundai builds the IONIQ 9 at its new EV plant in Georgia, alongside the updated 2025 IONIQ 5.
Production has been steady at Hyundai’s Metaplant America (HMGMA) plant since it began in April. Hyundai built 2,382 IONIQ 9 models in May and another 1,803 in June. Through June 2025, 1,013 Hyundai IONIQ 9 models have been sold in the US.
2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 (Source: Hyundai)
With IONIQ 9 sales falling from 1,009 in April to 867 in May and then to 767 in June, Hyundai is betting on the US and Europe to make up for the shortfall.
After promising to maintain prices in the US earlier this year, Hyundai has stood by the guarantee. The 2026 IONIQ 9 (see our review of it) is surprisingly affordable with leases starting at just $419 per month.
Hyundai’s new and improved 2025 IONIQ 5 may take the cake as the best EV deal right now, listed with leases as low as $179 per month. To get owners started, it also offers a free ChargePoint L2 home charger with the purchase or lease of any new 2026 IONIQ 9 or 2025 IONIQ 5.
Want to see one for yourself? Use the links below to find 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9 models in your area.
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Another luxury automaker is offering over $15,000 in discounts on its newest EV models. However, you may have a hard time getting your hands on one of them.
Mercedes is the latest automaker to cut EV prices
Mercedes-Benz becomes the latest brand pushing massive discounts ahead of the EV tax credit deadline at the end of September.
With Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” set to end the federal tax credit, which provides $7,500 for new and $4,000 for used EVs, automakers are preparing for a big shakeup. The changes go into effect at the end of September.
Toyota, Ford, Honda, Stellantis, Hyundai, and Volvo are among a string of automakers adjusting production and pricing in the US due to the upcoming changes. At least for the next few months, that’s good news for those looking to buy.
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Mercedes-Benz will offer generous discounts on its 2026 EV models. Doug Horner, a Mercedes-Benz sales manager in Ohio, revealed the price cuts last week on social media.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (Source: Mercedes-Benz)
The folks at CarBuzz spotted the post, claiming Mercedes is cutting prices of the 2026 EQS SUV from $105,250 to just $89,950. That’s a $15,300 discount from the outgoing model. At that, the electric SUV is about the same price as the GLC.
The EQE SUV’s price will drop from $77,900 to $64,950, representing a $13,000 reduction. Meanwhile, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and EQS sedan will start at $64,950 and $99,900, respectively, or $9,950 and $4,500 less than the 2025 model year.
Mercedes is already offering some pretty significant EV deals. The 2025 EQE 350+ SUV is listed for lease at just $579 per month (for 36 months with $7,873 due at signing) with an $11,500 cash bonus and $3,000 loyalty bonus.
Mercedes GLC EV prototype with EQ Technology testing in Sweden (Source: Mercedes-Benz
Horner hinted that the savings won’t last long, as the tax credit is set to end at the end of September. Mercedes confirmed the price changes but added that production will be halted and order banks will be closed.
The company said it still “remains fully committed to electrification,” adding “the largest product offensive in the history of the brand is just around the corner.”
Mercedes plans to launch two new SUVs alongside the upcoming electric CLA based on its MMA platform.is the latest luxury automaker with extreme price cuts ahead of the EV incentive deadline.
2024 Acura ZDX (Source: Acura
Acura is offering up to $30,650 in lease cash on the 2024 ZDX in California and other ZEV states with leases starting at just $299 per month. In other regions, the Acura ZDX is still listed for lease at just $489 per month (for 36 months with $4,599 due at signing).
Hyundai’s Genesis brand is offering the 2025 GV60 at just $389 per month (for 33 months with $5,999 due at signing) with a $13,750 EV lease bonus. The Electrified GV70 SUV features a $16,000 EV lease bonus.
Looking to score the savings while they are still available? You can use our links below to find Mercedes, Acura, and Genesis electric vehicles in your area.
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