Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corp., has announced its Avator electric outboard motor concept, which was on display for the first time during the 2022 Miami International Boat Show. Representing the company’s next step in marine innovation, advanced technology, and engineering, the showing gives a preview of the formal release of electric outboard products later in 2022 and 2023.

In Avator, Mercury is combining an investment in electrification with more than 80 years of expertise in the marine industry, leveraging its experience in hydrodynamics, corrosion resistance, reliability, and industrial design. The company is aiming to deliver a superior and new user boating experience for its global customers for a wide range of vessels and activities.

“We intend to deliver another way for people to enjoy the best experience on the water while also building on Mercury’s commitment to sustainability,” said Chris Drees, President, Mercury Marine, in a YouTube launch video. “Protecting the environment and the waters we enjoy is critical to our company, and we’re on track to reach our goal of an 80% reduction in outboard emissions by 2025.”

Avator advances the company’s commitment to sustainability by offering the prospect of boating with zero direct emissions.

“Electrification is strategically important to us, and this concept provides a first look at how we intend to deliver on our commitment to being the industry leader in both internal combustion products and electric propulsion,” added Drees.

It is also using electrification to make boating more accessible with features such as swappable batteries and enhanced portability.

“Mercury has the industry’s strongest and most robust technology and design teams who are shaping a new power for marine that expands the brand into new applications,” said Tim Reid, Vice President of Product Development & Engineering, Mercury Marine. “We believe features like easily changeable batteries and quiet operation hold great appeal for current and prospective boaters. We expect our breadth of electric offerings to expand over time, and we will continue to listen to consumer feedback and monitor adoption trends.”

While technical details on the concept are slim, we do know that Mercury set out to deliver three essential elements with the Avatar program, according to Andrew Przybyl, Avator Technical Manager.

The first is usability.

“We want to make the product experience the best there is, and this is where mercury really stands out,” he said. “We’re taking everything we know about how consumers use our products, and we are incorporating it into Avatar to create a propulsion system that is easy and intuitive to use. The initial concept is also more portable than anything we’ve ever done. It will enable more people to go boating where and when they like.”

Next is system-level efficiency, scrutinizing every aspect of its outboards.

“Because batteries are a finite fuel source, we’re taking efficiency to another level,” said Przybyl. “From the motor to the hydrodynamics, we are optimizing every aspect to maximize boaters’ time on the water.”

The third element is refinement.

“We are addressing all of the major things that are important to boaters, like durability and corrosion resistance, down to the fine aspects like fit and finish, even to the way the tiller feels in your hand,” he said.

The company views electrification as an opportunity for anyone to enjoy the water, whether for fishing, sailing, or viewing nature—even where traditional fuel sources are not available or allowed.