Evoy’s new motor will have its world premiere in Florø later this season

Norwegian electric propulsion specialist Evoy has expanded its portfolio with a new 150hp outboard version that is due for launch later this year.

The prototype Evoy1 – a Polarcirkel 860 – has been extensively tested and is now ready for series production. Last summer Evoy1 was baptised by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, setting an unofficial world record for production e-boats later the same year with speeds of up to 55kt.

Evoy’s electric propulsion systems of up to 800hp are designed and tested to operate in the toughest environments in the world – the Norwegian coast. This year Evoy focused on the commercial market with an inboard propulsion system for boats from 20ft-40ft.

The new outboard system has been supported financially with NOK 1.8m from Innovation Norway. The goal is to have it completed and ready for the market in the first quarter of 2021.

The engines will initially be used by Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten to power a fleet of Zodiac RIBs.

“We have had many inquiries to deliver outboard systems, especially from the Polar Cruise segment,” says Evoy CEO and founder, Leif A Stavøstrand. “Hurtigruten were early to announce their interest and wanted to have 30 systems delivered in the spring of 2020. We like challenges, but this inquiry was a little tight, even for us.”

The prototype outboard – which is not drivable yet – was initially due for release at the Oslo International Boat Show (Sjøen for Alle) in March. Due to the cancellation, the world premiere will be in Florø later this season.

The prototype is based on a 90 hk and with a more powerful lower leg, it will likely perform equivalent a 150hp petrol engine, now with electric propulsion. The testing that will be performed during the summer and autumn of 2020 will give the final results on performance and range.

“Hurtigruten’s goal is to operate 100% emission free. We will lead the way towards a more sustainable tourist industry, and nothing will be more natural than to use electric propulsion, also with our smaller boats,” says Karin Strand, vice president expedition at Hurtigruten.

The outboard motor was specifically designed to fit the Zodiac Milpro MARK 5, enabling speeds of up to 115hp. This boat is said to be the industry standard for exploration cruises in Artic regions and will be delivered by Frydenbø Milpro, also of Norway.

“The exploration cruise industry has long been in demand for an electric propulsion solution,” says Trond Underhaug, manager at Frydenbø Milpro. “We have great expectations in this project and believe it will generate high volumes once the completed system proves to work as intended. Frydenbø Milpro finds it exciting to be part of this development and will do what we can to succeed.”