An electric outboard – another first for Southern Power

Automotive technology has been brought to the water and the impact is going to be a game changer for the marine sector says Jacques Brümmer, chief executive officer of Southern Power.

‘Developments in battery technology have spawned a number of hybrid and electric vehicles. This leading environmentally-focused approach has now been adopted in the marine sector and German-based Torqeedo is a technology leader in battery-driven propulsion. This innovator was established in 2005 and has grown in leaps and bounds, the company was recently purchased by DeutzAG, one of the world’s leading independent engine manufacturers. We are excited to represent this innovator in the African market.’

Battery-powered outboard motors have significant advantages over their fossil fuel predecessors, and minimal environmental impact is right up there at the top. In the yachting space there’s no need for an additional fuel type – most engines are diesel, while outboards are petrol – maintenance is reduced, there’s no oil changes and reliability is improved. The batteries can be re-charged using solar panels!

‘We will be demonstrating a Travel Ultra light and have a variety of other Torqeedo products on display, such as the Cruise 10 along with some demonstrator Lithium-ion batteries,’ adds Brümmer.

Southern Power are the distributors for a number of leading brands in the marine world, including; Volvo Penta engines and propulsion systems, Webasto, Whisperpower and Oxe Diesel. For more information email jacques@southernpower.co.za or call 021 511 0654.