Electric propulsion manufacturer ePropulsion has launched Spirit 2, the latest model in the Spirit series of electric outboard engines. The engine is on display at Metstrade 2025 in Amsterdam.
The new engine is positioned as a compact electric system focused on portability and measured performance. It features a 2kW motor and a 3kW Boost Mode that provides additional output when required. The firm says the paired 1539Wh quick-connect battery – described as the largest in its class – enables extended operation depending on conditions.
Danny Tao, co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion, describes the new Spirit 2 as offering more power while still retaining its portable form. “In the past, when we first introduced the one kilowatt, it was a good product for small dinghies, sailboats, and small keel boats like 6-7 metres,” he tells MIN. “But for boats bigger than that, you need more power. People would go to an AV3 or AV6, but those products are not portable designs; they’re always fixed installations.”
The motor weighs just over 22 pounds and the battery around 23 pounds. Handling, installation and storage are supported by a detachable clamp, foldable tiller and quick-connect battery interface. A full-colour display and adjustable tiller length are included to assist control and user interaction. The outboard incorporates shallow-water trimming, a 90-degree tilt function, an integrated steering lock and a kill switch with pigtail line. Its hydrogeneration capability allows it to produce electricity when a vessel is sailing between 3 and 16 knots, with up to 380 watts generated at 10 knots.
The idea behind the Spirit 2 was to create a portable option with greater output. “Now, the battery technology, electronic technology and motor technology are there that we can put this good technology together to make a nice product,” says Tao. “We’ve tried to minimise the weight while still giving bigger power and bigger battery size.”
Tao says the new design draws heavily on the firm’s earlier E-Lite motor. He highlights the integrated carrying handles, which allow the Spirit 2 to be carried like a bag, improving convenience both in transport and storage. The model is equipped with a 2kW motor and a sport mode that can deliver up to 3kW for 60 seconds in emergencies.
Spirit 2 also includes a 45W USB-C output and can be paired with an optional battery inverter that converts the main battery into a portable power source. The system reaches a top speed of 9.5 knots at full power. On a single charge, operating time is around 54 minutes at full power, 1 hour 48 minutes at half power and up to 3 hours at quarter power, depending on vessel and conditions. It integrates with ePropulsion’s 48V platform and E Series batteries and can work with solar charging and third-party energy systems such as Victron Energy. The product was nominated for a DAME Design Award.
Looking to the next year, and beyond, Tao admits the US is not his primary focus. “We see a lot of opportunities in the fishing sector, freshwater fishing in particular. They are using quite a lot of these small motors for their aluminium boats,” he says. In Europe, he sees the strongest applications among small lake cruisers and keel boats.
Tao notes that the last 12 months have been difficult.
“As you know, the entire industry is having difficulties, but in the electric market, we still see some good signs,” he says. “Although the recreation market is not that strong, on the bigger motors like our X series of outboards, and I series of inboards [which both feature models in the 10-40 kilowatt power range] we see quite some growth in that sector. I think that’s probably more OEMs trying new technologies and also filling the market gap because there’s no really good solution in that sector.”
He says expansion in this part of the business has more than doubled in the two years since launch.
Tao sees the growing number of electric motor manufacturers as a positive development. “When we started, our first time exhibiting [at Metstrade] was in 2013. By that time, there weren’t many people and they didn’t pay attention to us because they had no idea what electric propulsion was about.
“After five, six years, they started looking at those things, and in recent years there’s a lot of new companies popping up. It’s a good sign for the industry. It means people are focusing on electric propulsion and are willing to invest. It’s good for us as a market leader because we have accumulated a lot of products, customers, and built a strong sales and service network.
“Spirit 2 embodies our vision for the future of electric boating, where power and portability go hand in hand,” says Tao. “We’ve taken everything users appreciated about the original Spirit and advanced it further to create a solution that delivers greater power, enhanced portability, and intelligent control. It’s built to elevate the on-water experience for boaters everywhere.”
He ends on a reflective note. “As long as you have the right product for the right market, you will still see people buying it.”
Spirit 2 is scheduled for worldwide availability through authorised ePropulsion dealers from spring 2026.
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