Elco EP-40 electric inboard motor in finned aluminium housing

Overview

Configurable 17 kW shaft-drive repower motor

Elco's EP-40 is a 17 kW continuous electric inboard for displacement boats, sold separately from its batteries, charger and controls.

Year

2026

Boat Type

Other

Propulsion

Electric Inboard

Location

United States

About the EP-40 Electric Inboard

The EP-40 is an electric inboard intended to replace a conventional engine in displacement boats, not an outboard despite older directory copy that described it that way. Elco rates the motor at 17 kW continuous and 29.4 kW peak, and places it in a 25-to-45 hp replacement range. That comparison is application guidance rather than a direct conversion from electrical power. The current specification recommends boats up to 48 feet and roughly 20,000 pounds, subject to propeller, gearing and hull resistance. The 205-pound motor package contains the AC motor, electronics and safety hardware in a finned aluminium housing, but the shaft coupling, throttle, batteries and charger are selected separately. It is best approached as a repower component for a vessel that already has a suitable shaft line and enough space and payload for the chosen battery bank.

Best For

Displacement launches and cruisers with an existing shaft drive
Electric repowers where battery capacity can be tailored to the route
Boats operating for long periods near hull speed

Performance in Context

Elco's example data shows 6-to-8-knot cruising and 17-to-30 nautical miles, but those figures assume operation at 60-to-80 percent of hull speed with a specified 108-volt AGM bank and a 50-percent depth of discharge. They are not guaranteed results for every EP-40 installation. Hull form, displacement, propeller selection, weather and usable battery energy will determine actual performance. A propeller and energy study is particularly important when replacing a diesel whose nameplate horsepower may overstate the power normally used at cruise.

Battery and Charging

Elco currently offers a 96-volt, 21 kWh lithium option made from two 48-volt packs, as well as an AGM configuration. The motor's published operating range is 90 to 115 volts. Chargers are sold separately, and the shopping configuration shows both standard and higher-output options. Battery mass is not included in the 205-pound motor weight; Elco's lithium pair adds about 208 pounds before cabling, protection and mounting hardware.

Availability and Pricing

Elco lists the EP-40 motor at US$13,995 before the throttle, coupling, batteries, charger, connection kit and installation. A complete project therefore costs materially more than the motor price. Buyers can configure components through Elco, but should obtain an itemized quotation and confirm whether local installation, shaft alignment and commissioning are included.