EPropulsion Vs Torqeedo | Which Should You Buy?
This article compares the low-power (1 – 6 hp) Torqeedo electric outboard motor range with the units manufactured by EPropulsion.
With the skyrocketing price of gas and the growing need to protect the planet, the time seems to have finally arrived for electric outboards to find their place in the sun.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
1️⃣ EPropulsion and Torqeedo each offer a range of electric outboard motors, which provide a compelling alternative to an equivalent gas-powered outboard motor.
2️⃣ In the power range that both manufacturers share (1hp – 9.9hp), the EPropulsion products excel and are, arguably, superior to the equivalent Torqeedo models. EPropulsion products have a longer range, cost less, are quieter and smoother, and are more durable.
3️⃣ In the power range that both manufacturers share (1hp – 9.9hp), the EPropulsion products excel and are, arguably, superior to the equivalent Torqeedo models. EPropulsion products have a longer range, cost less, are quieter and smoother, and are more durable.
4️⃣ While the EPropulsion models are superior to those offered by Torqeedo, the range is limited. If more power is needed, the Torqeedo range offers models up to 80hp.
For boaters considering transitioning from gas to electric power, there is always an unsettled feeling of venturing into the unknown. In this article, we aim to help you with your choice.
⚖️ Product Range Comparison: EPropulsion vs Torqeedo
The electric outboard motor product range of each manufacturer is as follows.
EPropulsion Product Range
The EPropulsion product range includes the following electric outboard motors.
| Model | Horsepower | Battery Type |
| Spirit 1.0 Plus | 3 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery can be supplemented with an E-Series battery |
| Spirit 1.0 Evo | 3 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery can be supplemented with an E-Series battery |
| Spirit 1.0 Evo Remote | 3 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery can be supplemented with an E-Series battery |
| Navy 3.0 Evo | 6 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery can be supplemented with an E-Series battery |
Torqeedo Product Range
The Torqeedo product range is more extensive than EPropulsion and includes the following electric outboard motors.
| Model | Horsepower | Battery Type |
| Ultralight 403 A/AC | 1.0 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery |
| Ultralight 1103 AC | 3.0 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery |
| Travel 603 | 2.0 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery |
| Travel 1103 C | 3.0 HP | Integrated Li-ion battery |
| Cruise 3.0 | 6.0 HP | External Power 24-3500 battery or AGM / lead-gel battery |
| Cruise 6.0 | 9.9 HP | External Power 48-5000 battery or AGM / lead-gel battery |
| Cruise 12.0 R Torq Link | 25.0 HP | External Power 48-5000 battery or AGM / lead-gel battery |
| Cruise 12.0 FP Torq Link | 25.0 HP | External Power 48-5000 battery or AGM / lead-gel battery |
| Deep Blue 25 | 40.0 HP | High-voltage battery, part of the Deep Blue Lithium high-performance battery system |
| Deep Blue 50 | 80.0 HP | High-voltage battery, part of the Deep Blue Lithium high-performance battery system |
EPropulsion has concentrated its range on the lower power models, and they do not have products that compete above 6hp.
The winner in this category is Torqeedo.
🏷️ Price List: EPropulsion vs Torqeedo Electric Outboard
The recommended retail prices of each manufacturer’s electric outboard range are listed in the tables below.
EPropulsion Product Prices
| Model | Horsepower | New Purchase Price(batteries excluded – unless integrated with motor) | Battery |
| Spirit 1.0 Plus | 3 HP | $1,450.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Spirit 1.0 Evo | 3 HP | $1,650.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Spirit 1.0 Evo Remote | 3 HP | $3,198.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Navy 3.0 Evo | 6 HP | $3,329.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Navy 6.0 Evo | 9.9 HP | $3 599,00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
Torqeedo Product Prices
| Model | Horsepower | New Purchase Price(batteries excluded – unless integrated with motor) | Battery |
| Ultralight 403 A/AC | 1.0 HP | $1,999.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Ultralight 1103 AC | 3.0 HP | $2,899.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Travel 603 | 2.0 HP | $2,248.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Travel 1103 C | 3.0 HP | $2,948.00 | Integrated Lithium-ion |
| Cruise 3.0 (Remote steering) | 6.0 HP | $4,298.00 | External Power |
| Cruise 3.0 (Tiller) | 6.0 HP | $4,298.00 | External Power |
| Cruise 6.0 (Tiller) | 9.9 HP | $4,898.00 | External Power |
| Cruise 6.0 (Remote steering) | 9.9 HP | $4,898.00 | External Power |
| Cruise 12.0 R Torq Link | 25.0 HP | $10,599.00 | External Power |
| Cruise 12.0 FP Torq Link | 25.0 HP | $10,599.00 | External Power |
| Deep Blue 25 | 40.0 HP | $7,000.00 | External Power |
| Deep Blue 50 | 80.0 HP | $8,250.00 | External Power |
EPropulsion product prices of competing models (1hp to 9.9hp) are approximately 27% cheaper than the equivocate Torqeedo Product Prices.
The winner in this category is EPropulsion.
📦 Product Comparison
To provide a detailed comparison between the two manufacturers’ products, we have chosen two equivalently powered motors of the same output and examined these in more detail.
The models chosen for the comparison are the 3.0 HP products from each manufacturer.
- EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus
- Torqeedo Travel 1103C
Electric Outboard Range Of Use
The perception that outboard motors have less available range is frequently cited as the main reason boaters stay with gas-powered outboard motors.
While this was valid in the past, the efficiencies built into the new, smaller electric motors and improvements in battery technology have resulted in massive range gains.
Electric outboard motor recharging technologies are continuously improving, which sometimes makes electric outboard motors more flexible and convenient than gas-powered outboard motors.
An example of this flexibility is that an electric outboard motor can be recharged using solar charging stations while the boast is stopped – possibly while fishing.
This functionality is unavailable with gas-powered motors that need a spare can of gas or a return to shore where more can be purchased.
EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus
The integrated battery in the Spirit 1.0 Plus has a capacity of 1.276Kw/h, giving it a running time of 75 minutes at full throttle, equating to an approximate range of 7.8 miles ( 12.5 km.)
The Spirit 1.0 Plus battery is completely waterproof and can float. If the battery is inadvertently dropped into the water, it will not sink.
Once retrieved, it can be immediately plugged into the motor and used.
Torqeedo Travel 1103C
Like the EPropulsion, it’s integrated with the Travel 1103C and has a battery capacity of 0.915Kw/h, giving it a running time of 50 minutes at full power.
The EPropulsion system is the winner with the greater range.
Noise Generated By Each Motor
The refined direct-drive motor technology of the EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus makes it significantly quieter and noticeably smoother than the Torqeedo Travel 1103C.
The winner in the range category is EPropulsion.
Electric Outboard Motor Recharging Speed
The single biggest downside with the electric outboard motors is their recharge time. Unlike gas-powered motors, where the gas tank can be quickly refilled, electric outboard batteries need a time-out for recharge.
The problem can be mitigated by installing separate, standalone battery packs or carrying a second spare integrated battery.
There are two charging systems available.
1️⃣ Home-based AC power chargers
2️⃣ Solar panels
| HOME-BASED AC POWER CHARGERS | Solar Panels | |
| EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus | 8.5 hours from zero to full charge | 180W solar charging |
| Torqeedo Travel 1103C | 10.5 hours from zero to full charge | 50W solar charging |
The winner in the charging category is EPropulsion.
Electric Outboard Motors Features
The EPropulsion direct drive range of outboard motors was launched in 2014 and has gradually been refined in the 7 years in the interim. Torqeedo only installed direct drive technology in 2019.
The EPropulsion direct drive system is more compact than Torqeedo Travel 1103C (14% narrower), resulting in a lower drag coefficient in the water.
The winner in the charging category is EPropulsion.
The Electric Outboard Motors Durability
Another way to influence gas-powered outboard motor owners to switch to electric motors is to demonstrate buyers’ perceptions of the product’s durability. Three factors affect this.
1️⃣ The type of materials used in the construction.
2️⃣ Component wear rate.
3️⃣ The warranty conditions.
Materials used in construction
The EPropulsion electric engine uses more composite aluminum in its construction than Torqeedo.
This is particularly relevant in the outboard motor’s lower unit, where the EPropulsion unit is completely made from composite aluminum.
The lower unit on the Torqeedo is made from a combination of hardened plastic and aluminum.
This will affect the motor’s durability, particularly with anglers who fish in shallow waters and risk scraping the lower unit.
In addition to the lower unit, the EPropulsion electric outboard motor cable connection is stainless steel compared to the plastic plug used by Torqeedo.
Component Wear
The Spirit 1.0 Plus EPropulsion system has fewer moving parts, which bodes well for the durability and longevity of the motor.
Warranty Conditions
A comparison of warranty conditions between the two manufacturers is listed in the table below.
| Torqeedo Travel 1103C | EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus | |
| Length of warranty | Twenty-four months after the date on which the product was delivered | Two years from the date of purchase |
| Extended Warranty Period | No | Additional one year free of charge if purchased in 2022 |
| Is warranty transferable | Warranty is transferable | The warranty is not transferable |
| Warranty on commercial operations | No | No |
The winner in the durability category is EPropulsion.
Removal And Reinstallation
There are several factors to consider in this regard.
1️⃣ Weight
2️⃣ Ease of storage
3️⃣ Ease of reinstalling the motor.
Electric Outboard Motor Weight
At 38.1 lbs. (17.3 kg), the Torqeedo Travel 1103C is 4.4 lbs. lighter than the EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus, which has a total weight of a hefty 42.5 lbs. (19.3 kg.)
The Ease Of Storage
One of the benefits of small electric outboard motors is that they are easy to remove from the boat and can be packed away. They have no messy gas tanks with dangling pipes, which must be transported.
While the EPropulsion motors and the equivalent Torqeedo units have foldable tillers, the EPropulsion units only fold to a 38-degree angle. The tiller on Torqeedo motors is also removable making them easier to store.
The Reinstallation Process
When reinstalling the motors, the EPropulsion only requires three steps.
1️⃣ Attach the electric outboard to the transom.
2️⃣ Unfold the hand tiller.
3️⃣ Clip on the battery.
The Torqeedo system requires two additional steps.
1️⃣ Attach the electric outboard to the transom.
2️⃣ Reattach the hand tiller to the motor.
3️⃣ Plug in the tiller communication cable to the motor.
4️⃣ Clip on the battery.
5️⃣ Secure the battery with a lock pin.
Overall, the winner in this section is Torqeedo.
Summary Comparison Between Each Motor
The comparisons between the Torqeedo Travel 1103C and the EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus, discussed in this article, are summarized in the list below.
| Torqeedo Travel 1103C | EPropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus | |
| Recommended Retail Price | $2,948.00 | $1,450.00 |
| Horsepower | 3 hp | 3 hp |
| Battery time to empty at full throttle | 50 minutes | 75 minutes |
| Tiller | Detachable | Integrated and Foldable |
| Tiller Angle | 70 degrees | 48 degrees |
| Battery Capacity | 0.915KW/h | 1.276kW/h |
| Does the battery float if dropped overboard? | No | Yes |
| Supports external battery | No | Yes |
| Weight | 38.1 lbs (17.3 kg) | 42.5 lbs (19.3 kg) |
| Size (length and diameter) of the outboard motor lower unit | Length: 12.7 Inches (323 mm)Diameter: 4.9 Inches (124 mm) | Length: 10 inches (254 mm)Diameter: 4.3Inches (108 mm) |
| Solar Charging Power | 50W | 180W |
| Cost of Solar Charger | $749 | $99 |
| Time to charge on AC | 10 ½ hours | 8 ½ hours |
| Noise level | Nosier than Spirit 1.0 Plus | The quietest motor of the two |
| GPS Features | Yes | No |
| Smart Phone App | Yes | No |
| Power cable connector | Plastic | Stainless Steel |
🏆 EPropulsion Vs. Torqeedo: The Winner
The winner in almost all categories is EPropulsion. This is the recommended option if the purchaser is looking for a low-cost unit to power a small tender or fishing boat.
If the intended use requires a higher-powered engine, the Torqeedo range makes a compelling choice.
Each Electric Motor Manufacturer Aims At Individual Markets
While EPropulsion ticks more boxes in the low-power electric outboard motor market, the comparison is never that simple.
The final choice may depend on other factors.
1️⃣ Specific financial incentives offered by each company from time to time.
2️⃣ The accessibility of service agents who can provide support.
3️⃣ The boater’s personal taste.
The Best Electric Motor Range For Anglers
At the lower end of the power range, the EPropulsion product shines and lends itself to anglers who want a low-cost and reliable power source.
The composite aluminum lower unit will more ably resist scrapes and scratches in shallow water. Factor in the more effective solar charging system, larger battery, and longer basic range all add up to winning features.
The Best Electric Motor Range For Tenders
If transit across open water (which may be choppy) is required, one of the more powerful Torqeedo models will be better suited.
The Best Electric Motor Range For Offshore Use
In the same way that tenders used in open water will require higher-powered Torqeedo models, so will boats in open sea conditions. The highest-powered Torqeedo model produces 80hp, which should be considered the minimum specification for open waters.
Call To Action
If you are curious about EPropulsion and Torqeedo electric outboard motors, check out these websites to learn more and find the authorized dealer nearest you.
