TORQEEDONew Torqeedo Cruise 4.0 R has the power and efficiency to replace small gas outboards
Torqeedo, the German company that produces those cool, skinny electric outboard motors has introduced a new model – the Cruise 4.0 R – that has the power to realistically be considered a replacement for the gas-powered outboard on your dinghy. And it does so with an overall efficiency of more than 50%, which is at least an order of magnitude greater than other electric motors, and much higher than any gasoline outboard.
The Cruise runs on 48 volts and offers 215 pounds of thrust, roughly equivalent to a 9.9hp gas outboard. The Cruise 4.0 R is designed specifically for remote steering and throttle. The throttle mount includes an LCD display that shows remaining battery charge, current speed and range remaining at current speed, as well as input power in watts. The motor's onboard computer includes its own GPS receiver, which enables the speed and range calculations.