Ilmor launches new electric outboard at METSTRADE

Although better known for its premier sterndrive product, engine builder Ilmor generated significant traffic to its stand in the US Pavilion of METSTRADE on Wednesday as it unveiled the full production version of its innovative Ion electric outboard motor.

With a nominal power output of 6kW (or 8hp), the Ion features a boost mode that can increase thrust by up to 15% on demand, allowing the compact motor to serve a wide range of potential applications. The 48V system features integrated power trim and tilt, RBG LED lighting and automatic seaweed detection features.

“Europe is certainly an important market for electric propulsion and we’re exhibiting at METSTRADE with an eye to building our European distribution network,” explained Ilmor Engineering marketing and communication head, Chris Pollum. “But the Ion is a powerful motor, so we also see opportunities in the US pontoon boat market. Particularly on some smaller cottage lakes, there are no on-water facilities to buy fuel, meaning boaters have to drive to a station with a portable tank. The electric motor eliminates that bother.”

Ilmor is aiming to develop both OEM and retail markets for the Ion, says Pollum. “Preference between factory-installed or dealer-installed varies by region, so our strategy is to aim to support both market segments. They’re of equal importance.”

Ilmor vice president of marine, Mike Lindberg, said the company received a strong response to the prototype Ion product it exhibited at the 2022 METSTRADE. “That was really about gauging potential interest,” he says. “It was extremely busy at our stand throughout the show, so based on that response we now have the Ion as a full production product. We expect to begin shipping units by July.”