Torqeedo VS ePropulsion

Who makes the best small electric outboard?

Torqeedo vs ePropulsion: Overview

"Which is better, Torqeedo or ePropulsion?" is probably the most common questions we get at EMO Electric. The short answer? There is none. ePropulsion and Torqeedo both make high quality electric outboards. Most of their products are very similar to each other, and both of their motors are a major upgrade from a gas outboard. Which manufacturer we recommend often comes down to horsepower preferences and the individual use case. We'll break it down here and go step by step through the most important features so that you can choose the best electric outboard for you and your boat! Keep in mind that we're only comparing small, portable electric outboards here, or motors that are 5hp and small and have a battery that's integrated into the design of the motor, not an external battery. We'll be comparing the ePropulsion eLite, ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus, ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Evo, Torqeedo Travel S, and Torqeedo Travel XP.

Where are Torqeedo and ePropulsion electric outboards manufactured?

Torqeedo electric outboards are made in Germany, and ePropulsion motors are made in China.

Where can I get a Torqeedo or ePropulsion motor serviced?

Every ePropulsion dealer is also a service center and can service ePropulsion electric outboards. Not every Torqeedo dealer is a service center, most just sell Torqeedo motors. There are specific Torqeedo Service centers throughout the country that can service Torqeedo electric outboards.

Whose products are less expensive?

ePropulsion electric outboards have typically been cheaper than Torqeedo electric outboards, but given the tariff situation in the United States, ePropulsion and Torqeedo electric outboards are at a similar price point. That being said, ePropulsion parts and accessories are generally still less expensive than Torqeedo.

Are ePropulsion electric outboards quieter than Torqeedo's?

In our experience, yes, ePropulsion electric outboards are a little quieter than Torqeedo's, but the difference in minimal. You can hear a slight difference when running the motors on land, but when they're running in the water, you can't hear either.

Do Torqeedo electric outboards last longer than ePropulsion's?

In our experience, there's no clear winner in who makes a more durable and long lasting electric outboard.

Horsepower / Power Output

The power that you need is a great place to start as it will quickly narrow down the best electric outboard. ePropulsion and Torqeedo both make 3hp electric outboards that have a very similar power rating (1kW for the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus and Spirit 1.0 Evo, 1.1kW for the Torqeedo Travel S). If you're looking for a small electric outboard that's less than 3hp / 1kW, the ePropulsion eLite is the right choice for you; it is light weight, portable, and about one third of the price of a 3hp electric outboard. Torqeedo does not make a 1.5hp electric outboard. They used to make a 2hp version of the Torqeedo Travel, but they eliminated it from their offerings in 2024.

You can learn more about the ePropulsion eLite by watching our on the water test and product review video and by reading our blog posts that talk about an overview of the eLite, the eLite Long Shaft, and comparison between the ePropulsion eLite and ePropulsion Spirit.

On the other hand, if you're looking for an electric outboard more powerful than 3hp / 1.1kW, but still want a motor with a battery that fits right on top of the cowling, the Torqeedo Travel XP is the way to go. It is a 1.6kW / 5hp electric outboard and is very similar in size and weight to the Torqeedo Travel S. ePropulsion does not make a 5hp electric outboard; the closest you'll get from them is the ePropulsion Navy 3 Evo, which has an external battery that does not sit on top of the motor, but instead lives somewhere in your boat. To learn more about the Torqeedo Travel XP, watch our product overview YouTube video, where we test it out on a 19' Flying Scot Sailboat, and read our blog post.