Minn Kota discontinued the E-Drive, a 2-HP equivalent electric outboard designed for pontoons and small boats. If you’re looking for a replacement, there are now more modern and powerful electric outboard options available.
What the E-Drive Was
The E-Drive was known for providing about 5 mph under the right conditions. To replace it, you’ll want to consider:
- Horsepower / thrust equivalent
- Shaft length
- Battery voltage and capacity
- Weight and mounting options
- Tiller vs remote control
Modern Alternatives
Here are some brands leading the electric outboard market today:
- Mercury Avator – New line of electric outboards (7.5e, 20e, etc.)
- ePropulsion – Spirit and Navy series, lithium battery systems
- Torqeedo – Widely adopted, multiple power ranges
- TEMO – Lightweight, compact, innovative designs
- Elco – Higher-end electric outboards up to 50 HP
- Newport – Affordable, practical outboard models
Specific Product Options
Below are current electric outboards worth considering:
- Mercury Avator 7.5e (3.5 HP equivalent) – About $3,610. Quick-swap battery packs.
- ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus (3 HP) – Around $1,650. Highly rated, portable.
- ePropulsion Navy 3.0 Evo (6 HP) – About $3,829. More power for heavier boats.
- Torqeedo Cruise 6.0 – Approx. $4,898. Long-shaft option, premium quality.
- TEMO 450 – $1,799. Lightweight, great for tenders and dinghies.
- Newport NT600 (6 HP) – $2,499. Affordable mid-power option.
- Elco EP-9.9 – $3,450. Higher-end, water-cooled.
What’s Better Than the Old E-Drive
Most modern electric outboards offer:
- More power and efficiency
- Lithium battery technology (lighter, longer lasting)
- Easier maintenance
- Better range and modular battery options
Things to Keep in Mind
- Cost: More expensive than old E-Drive units, but offset by fuel savings.
- Battery setup: Plan for proper chargers and spare packs if needed.
- Range: Running at full throttle reduces runtime significantly.
- Weight distribution: Batteries add weight – placement matters.
Final Thoughts
If you’re upgrading from a Minn Kota E-Drive, your choice depends on your boat size, how fast you need to go, and budget. For pontoons or small fishing boats, the ePropulsion Spirit 1.0 Plus or Mercury Avator 7.5e are solid modern replacements. For heavier setups, look at ePropulsion Navy, Torqeedo Cruise, or Elco options.
