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Original price was: $6,000.00.$5,000.00Current price is: $5,000.00.
The Elco EP-20 Electric Outboard is a 20-horsepower-equivalent electric boat motor designed for quiet, efficient propulsion on larger recreational boats, pontoon boats, fishing boats and other applications where a conventional 20 hp combustion outboard would normally be used. Elco’s current specifications list a 48-volt electrical system, 8.4 kW of continuous power, 390 lb of static thrust and an 85 lb outboard weight. Elco describes the EP-20 as a replacement for combustion outboards in the 20 hp class while retaining a compact outboard format.
Important specification note: the existing product record on Performance Engines contains an older specification set showing 24 VDC, 3,000 W input power, 125 A maximum current and 98 lb static thrust. fileciteturn30file0L18-L19 Elco’s current official EP-20 product documentation now lists 48 V, 8.4 kW continuous output and 390 lb static thrust. This description uses the current manufacturer specifications for the technical specifications below.
Elco rates the EP-20 as comparable to a 20 hp combustion outboard and gives it a stated replacement range of approximately 17–24 hp. The current specification lists 8.4 kW of continuous power and 390 lb of static thrust.
The motor uses a brushless PMAC design and a single-gear electric drive system. Elco states that its electric outboards provide smooth forward, neutral and reverse operation without the separate multi-speed gearing associated with a conventional combustion drivetrain.
The current EP-20 uses a 48 V battery system. Elco lists an operating range of approximately 40–59 V, maximum continuous battery current of 175 A and suggested battery capacity of 165–225 Ah.
Battery selection is an important part of an EP-20 installation. Runtime depends on battery capacity, boat weight, hull design, cruising speed, throttle setting, wind, current and other operating conditions. The motor should therefore be treated as part of a complete electric propulsion system rather than evaluated solely by its motor weight or horsepower-equivalent rating.
Elco’s current EP-20 configuration provides multiple battery approaches. The manufacturer lists a four-battery 12 V/165 Ah AGM package for a 48 V supply, as well as a 48 V/210 Ah solid-state lithium battery with approximately 10.5 kWh of capacity.
Elco states that its recommended battery capacity for the EP-20 is approximately 165–225 Ah. Select battery chemistry, capacity, charger and connection hardware together so the complete system is compatible with the motor’s voltage and current requirements.
Elco currently lists the EP-20 for boats approximately 10 to 24 feet in length, with a suggested boat weight around 1,250 lb for its current outboard specification.
Elco also highlights the EP-20 for electric pontoon propulsion and larger recreational boats where additional torque and propeller size can be useful.
Actual performance depends heavily on hull shape, displacement, propeller, battery state of charge, water conditions and load. Confirm the boat manufacturer’s maximum rated outboard power and transom requirements before installation.
The EP-20 uses a brushless permanent-magnet AC (PMAC) motor. Brushless electric propulsion eliminates the routine brush replacement associated with brushed motors while providing smooth electric torque and precise throttle response.
Elco’s current electric-outboard information describes its brushless PMAC motors as part of a system designed to maximize efficiency, minimize maintenance and provide quiet operation.
One of the major differences between the EP-20 and a gasoline outboard is operating noise. Elco describes its electric outboards as silent in neutral and whisper quiet at low speed, with typical sound levels substantially lower than combustion engines.
This makes electric propulsion particularly useful for fishing, wildlife observation, residential waterways, lakes with noise restrictions and recreational cruising where conversation and a quieter onboard environment are important.
Elco’s current EP-20 specification lists a 3-blade 9.25-inch x 8-inch propeller and a 2.08:1 lower-unit gear ratio.
Propeller selection directly affects acceleration, cruising efficiency and load-carrying performance. Use compatible Elco specifications when changing the propeller and avoid selecting a replacement solely by diameter or pitch without confirming compatibility with the motor and lower unit.
The EP-20 can be configured with remote throttle controls or a tiller arrangement. Elco’s current product configuration offers side-mount and top-mount remote throttle packages, with 16-foot throttle cables, key switch and motor cut-off switch.
A dual top-mount throttle configuration is also offered by Elco for twin-powered systems.
Elco offers an electric trim-and-tilt option for the EP-20. The current product configuration identifies a Panther Model 40 tilt-and-trim kit that can be used to raise and lower the outboard remotely.
Trim and tilt can simplify shallow-water operation, launching and retrieval, and adjustment of the motor position while underway. Confirm the selected bracket and trim system are appropriate for the specific boat and shaft configuration.
The correct shaft length is determined primarily by transom height and the required propeller depth. Elco’s current EP-20 product page recommends the long shaft when the boat’s transom is 15 inches or longer.
The original Performance Engines record contains short- and long-shaft dimensional information, but its technical data also contains the older 24 V/3,000 W specification set. fileciteturn30file0L18-L19 For a new installation, use the current Elco configuration and confirm shaft selection against the actual boat transom.
Elco’s current specification lists the EP-20 outboard at approximately 85 lb. This is a useful consideration when evaluating a repower because the motor itself is relatively compact compared with many conventional 20 hp-class propulsion systems.
Installation also requires planning for the battery bank, charger, battery connection hardware and throttle controls. Elco offers pre-assembled battery connection cables designed for its electric propulsion systems, with marine-grade connection components.
Charging requirements depend on the battery chemistry and capacity selected. Elco’s current EP-20 configuration offers an AGM battery package with a compatible NOCO charger and a lithium configuration with a compatible NOCO GX4820 charger.
When planning an electric repower, consider not only the motor but also where batteries will be installed, how they will be secured, available charging power, cable routing, ventilation requirements for the selected battery technology and the expected daily operating hours.
The EP-20 can be used where quiet propulsion and electric operation are priorities. Elco specifically describes the model as suitable for electric pontoon propulsion and notes its larger chassis and propeller can provide additional torque and smoother response during docking.
For fishing boats, the quieter drivetrain can reduce disturbance on the water while providing controlled low-speed maneuvering. For pontoon applications, confirm the complete boat weight, passenger load and required performance before selecting the battery capacity.
| Specification | Elco EP-20 |
|---|---|
| Comparable horsepower | 20 HP |
| HP replacement range | 17–24 HP |
| Nominal battery voltage | 48 V |
| Operating voltage | 40–59 V |
| Maximum continuous current | 175 A |
| Continuous power | 8.4 kW |
| Maximum RPM | 5,000 RPM |
| Static thrust | 390 lb |
| Suggested battery capacity | 165–225 Ah |
| Motor type | Brushless PMAC |
| Propeller | 3-blade, 9.25 in × 8 in |
| Lower-unit gear ratio | 2.08:1 |
| Suggested boat length | 10–24 ft |
| Suggested boat weight | Approximately 1,250 lb |
| Outboard weight | Approximately 85 lb |
Specifications above are based on Elco’s current official EP-20 electric outboard information. Performance varies with boat design, loading, battery configuration and operating conditions.
If you are comparing the EP-20 with other electric outboard motors, compare continuous power, voltage, battery capacity, thrust, shaft length, steering controls, motor weight and expected operating range rather than comparing horsepower-equivalent ratings alone.
For compatibility, battery configuration or installation questions, contact the Performance Engines team before ordering.
Elco rates the EP-20 as comparable to a 20 hp combustion outboard and lists a 17–24 hp replacement range.
The current Elco EP-20 specification uses a 48 V nominal battery system with an operating range of approximately 40–59 V.
Elco’s current specification lists 8.4 kW of continuous power and 390 lb of static thrust.
Elco currently suggests approximately 165–225 Ah of battery capacity. Its EP-20 configuration supports both AGM and solid-state lithium battery options, subject to the appropriate charger and connection equipment.
Elco’s current specification lists the EP-20 outboard at approximately 85 lb. The complete installed propulsion system will weigh more after the battery bank, cables, controls and optional equipment are included.
Yes. Elco specifically presents the EP-20 as an option for electric pontoon propulsion and notes its larger chassis and propeller provide additional torque and response. The boat’s total weight, passenger load and transom rating should be checked before installation.
