Are electric outboards worth it, and how far can they go?

Q: Are electric outboards worth it, and how far can they go?

They make most sense on small boats at slow speed, where makers' ranges hold up, and they cost little to run. ePropulsion rates its 1 kW Spirit 1.0, with a 1,276 Wh battery, at up to 22 miles at a steady 4.5 mph cruise; at full power the range is under 8 miles. An hour at full power on a 1 kW motor uses about $0.18 of electricity at the US average price, against about $1.26 of gas for Honda's 2.3 hp outboard, whose 0.29-gallon tank lasts up to 60 minutes at full throttle.

Updated October 25, 2026. Every answer lists the sources we read it from. If we couldn't back an answer, we left the question out.

ePropulsion's own run-time table for the Spirit shows how much speed costs: about 35 miles in 10 hours at 3.5 mph, 22 miles at 4.4 mph, and under 8 miles in 1.25 hours at full power (6.2 mph). Charging the Spirit's battery from empty costs about $0.23 at the US average price (EIA, July 2026).

Our outboard guide compares Torqeedo, ePropulsion and Mercury models on price, range and running cost.

Run your own numbers: Electric outboard guide · Wiring a boat's house battery (CamperVolts) (opens in a new tab)

Sources

All 5 questions on electric boating · Every question we answer

Electric outboard motorsRange, price and running cost.

Estimates only. Your actual costs depend on your utility's rate plan, how and when you charge or use power, and local prices. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. See our disclaimer.

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