The marine industry leader, Mercury Marine, views electric propulsion as a natural evolution of its legacy. The new Mercury Avator series is a testament to their commitment to leadership in electrification and marks a crucial milestone in marine innovation. The Avator 7.5e, the first model in this series, signifies a bold leap toward a more sustainable future. The engine was released in the US early in 2023 and began shipping to dealerships and boat builders in April and May. This launch makes it clear that Mercury Marine expects to lead the charge in electric outboard products.
Mercury’s long standing experience of over 80 years in the boating industry provides them with a unique advantage. With their deep understanding of boater needs and insights from consumer collaboration, Mercury is positioned to deliver a product that matches and surpasses expectations. Their forward-thinking approach allows them to offer advanced, differentiated products that cater to the evolving demands of modern boaters.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Green Propulsion
Mercury’s Avator series is crafted around sustainability principles, with the Avator 7.5e playing a significant role in Mercury’s ongoing sustainability strategy. One of the standout features of Avator products is that they produce zero direct emissions or exhaust fumes. In addition, Mercury has ensured the use of recyclable materials wherever possible in the product’s design and manufacturing process.
Revolutionizing Boating with Consumer-Inspired Innovation
Mercury’s approach toward electric propulsion is deeply influenced by its concerted efforts to understand the wants and needs of consumers. The driving factors behind the consumers’ willingness to pay more for electric over traditional gas outboards include the following:
- Environmentally friendly
- User-Friendly
- Quiet Operation
- Lightweight Design
- Cost-Efficient Maintenance and Ownership
Pioneers are utilizing electric propulsion motors as the primary power source on sailboats or yacht tenders, showing the wide-ranging uses of these innovations. Commercial entities are harnessing electric propulsion to power rental fleets for more relaxed, leisurely voyages. Meanwhile, recreational boaters are adopting this technology because of its quiet, smokeless, and straightforward operation.
Power Source, Designation, and Charging: 7.5e Propulsion System
The Mercury Avator 7.5e propulsion system is a ground-breaking offering from Mercury. Its power designation derives from the motor size, which generates 750 watts of power at the propeller shaft. Though mathematically equivalent to 1hp, the 7.5e motor performs similarly to a 3.5hp four-stroke in acceleration and top speed.
The 7.5e Avator Kit comes with a 1kWh battery and charger, making it a complete package for the end user. The integrated 1kWh Lithium-Ion battery is portable and ergonomic, weighing only 17 lbs (7.6kg). The water-resistant battery has an IP67 rating and features multiple protection levels, including voltage, current, and temperature.
Charging solutions come in two options: a compact, light 110W charger that can fully charge the battery in 9 hours and a 230W charger that reduces the total charge time to just 3.5 hours. Both chargers have protective measures, including over-current, timing, short circuit, and over-temperature protections.
The Mercury Avator User Experience and Interface
Diving into the Avator’s user experience and interface reveals how Mercury has prioritized the boater’s needs and comfort. Mercury has designed the Avator with technology to create a seamless and intuitive user journey. Below, we explore the unique features that set Avator’s interface apart, making boating simpler and more enjoyable.
- Vivid Displays: The Avator 7.5e has integrated displays on both tiller and remote models. These displays show the battery’s charge level, speed, range (distance and time remaining), and warnings/alerts with intuitive icons.
- Advanced Tiller Handle: The tiller handle is ambidextrous and boasts a modern aesthetic. Its features include shift and power in grip, tilt lock, toolless horizontal “yaw,” and lanyard.
- Transom Bracket Quick Release: A quick-release feature allows the drive to detach easily from the transom bracket assembly, reducing the carrying weight by 6 lbs or 2.8 kg.
- New Digital Remote Controls: Explicitly designed for Mercury Avator, the remote controls are available in three types: console mount, traditional panel mount, and reversed panel mount for side-mounting on center consoles.
Performance and Runtime
The Avator 7.5e is powered by industry-first transverse flux motor technology. This high-torque motor and the ultra-efficient three-blade propeller design result in faster acceleration and excellent battery efficiency. The Avator 7.5e provides 1 to 19 hours of runtime, depending on the throttle position.
Additionally, the Avator 7.5e is significantly quieter than its gas-powered counterparts. In fact, at full power, it operates at a noise level that is four times quieter than a 3.5hp four-stroke outboard.
Connectivity and App Support
The Avator 7.5e takes advantage of modern technology with its connectivity features. It’s the first propulsion system compatible with the all-new Mercury Marine app, available for iOS and Android devices. The app provides tutorials, battery status, system notifications, and advanced features such as GPS mapping and outboard data.
Mercury Avator: Final Thoughts
Mercury’s Avator 7.5e represents a significant step forward in electric marine propulsion. Mercury Marine has again demonstrated their commitment to innovation, excellence, and environmental responsibility. With a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and deep insights into the needs of boaters, Mercury has brilliantly launched a product that promises to enhance and significantly transform the boating experience’s future.
