Beneteau Group Ventures into Electric Outboard Motors

More expensive outboard motors, but which may appeal to boaters in search of tranquility!

The Beneteau group aims to market fully electric outboard motors starting next year. To achieve this goal, it has partnered with Vision Marine Technologies, a Canadian startup specializing in electric solutions within the marine sector.

The first electric outboard motors resulting from this alliance will be available next year. Equipped with a 70 kWh battery, they will utilize the 180 hp propulsion system developed by Vision Marine E-Motion.

The American brand Four Winns will have the first access to this technology. Subsequently, other brands within the Beneteau group will also launch electric outboard motors, in Europe as well as in America.

The price of electric outboard motors will be significantly higher than their thermal counterparts (around +50%). However, the savings during use will partly offset the initial extra cost. Most importantly, the Beneteau group believes that price will not be an issue for its target customers.

“The key to electrification is having a comprehensive analysis of the customer’s use case”, explains Erik Stromberg, marine and motor yacht marketing director of the Beneteau Group. “Many boats in our offer are perfectly suited to a 100% electric solution.”

A first prototype already afloat

The Beneteau group, headquartered in Vendée, has built a first prototype of an electric outboard motor in partnership. It has been conducting thorough tests since early 2022.

Beneteau is not entirely new to electric boats. Since March 2022, it has been selling an electric version of its Delphia 11, a boat designed for inland waters navigation. It has also developed a hybrid catamaran and is about to unveil a monohull sailboat with an electric motor.

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