Access More Boat Tests

Already have an account? Login

Forgot Password?

Provide a password for the new account in both fields.
Boating Zip Code

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read and agree with the Privacy Policy & Terms of Use of BoatTEST.com

By submitting this form, you acknowledge that you have read and agree with the Privacy Policy & Terms of Use of BoatTEST.com.

Falcon 130 - Electric Outboard Engine

By Frank Sargeant, Senior Editor 
 

All-new Falcon Electric Outboard

An electric outboard with 360-degree rotating lower unit.

falcon-electric-engine-boot

The Falcon outboard is available in black or white with multiple trim insets to customize the motors.

 

Powerful electric outboards are no longer the big news they were just a few years ago—Evoy is currently the big dog in the field with a 300-hp model, and Vision Marine used two of their 180-hp motors to set the world speed record for e-powered boats at 116 mph in the summer of 2023.

But the new EPT Falcon 130 has something extra going for it—an independent steering lower unit that turns while the midsection and the powerhead remain stationary. 

While we’ve seen the independent-steering lower unit before on the Mercury 600 ICE, the unit on the new Falcon 130 electric outboard adds 360-degree lower unit rotation, giving a whole new dimension to docking maneuvers. The company says the unique steering will eliminate the need for bow thrusters on many boats.

Lightweight, Quiet Power

The Falcon outboard is smaller and lighter than a comparable internal combustion outboard.

The 130 kW motor—which translates to roughly 174 horsepower at WOT—weighs 130 to 170 kg—or about 286 lb in the lightest version, 374 lb. in the heaviest.

By comparison, a Mercury 175 gas engine weighs around 475 lb, a Yamaha about 483, Suzuki 511. The Falcon has a significant advantage. This sort of weight reduction is important in outboards used on relatively small boats because the weight is on the transom, affecting the angle of attack and the ability to get on plane easily—less weight equals a better balanced boat.

The company says the motor includes a two circuit cooling system with heat exchangers built into the leg, a mechanically-driven impeller pump and a CAN bus electric servo control system with trim and tilt.

Rigging is clean, requiring just two high voltage cables and the CAN bus control cable. The company notes the motors have far fewer parts than ICE engines and so are far more reliable and also easier to fix, as well as being eco-friendly and fume free.

The motor is customizable, according to the Danish builder, with variable leg lengths and optional color plates for the upper housing.

EPT Technologies has a full array of electric power options including serial and parallel inboard electric motors for yachts to 150’ long as well as multiple high-output batteries and control systems.