Pure Watercraft reveals new battery pack for electric motor

Pure Watercraft, manufacturer of the Pure Outboard electric motor, has launched what it claims is “the most energy-dense battery pack available in marine propulsion”.

According to the Seattle-based company, its new energy storage system has a capacity of 8.85kWh – providing 47% more capacity than the previous model – and active thermal management, enabling faster planing, longer range and extended operation at top speed.

The new pack was designed in-house, using lithium-ion cells from Panasonic. When combined with the company’s Pure Outboard motor, the battery is said to provide more power per pound compared with other electric outboard systems, and reportedly exceeds comparable gas-powered systems.

“Our team of skilled engineers has built an electric outboard motor and battery pack system from the ground up,” said Andy Rebele, CEO and founder of Pure Watercraft. “Their focus has been to purposely create each component to maximize efficiency with the most power per pound in the industry.”

The Pure Outboard replaces gas outboard motors between 9.9 and 40hp. According to the company, “a typical 16ft aluminum fishing boat equipped with two battery packs could go for 4-5mph for about 30 hours, or 25mph for about an hour”. Furthermore, “charge time is as fast as one hour from half to full charge using a 240V outlet. Using a household 120V outlet, it takes approximately four hours”.

According to the manufacturer, frequent boaters who use the motor and new battery pack could save 80% on fuel costs and eliminate regular maintenance. The Pure Outboard is available via a refundable pre-order deposit of US$500. Pure Watercraft is currently shipping propulsion systems to its first customers, and pre-order delivery will begin in 2019. A complete system, comprised of an outboard and battery pack, starts at US$14,500.