The Avator is Mercury Marine’s first all-electric outboard engine.

Although still a concept model, it is dedicated to introducing an all-electric production outboard line as early as this autumn, with initial sales scheduled for 2023.

The power of the engine and battery capacity has not yet been disclosed. Still, it appears to be focusing on the lower end of the spectrum with a range of up to a half-dozen small, lightweight portable electric outboards perfect for use on tenders, dinghies, and river boats.

The few photographs published show a sleek engine with a tiller arm and twist throttle, an easy-to-read battery-status indicator on the control panel, and what appear to be straightforward start-stop, forward, and reverse buttons. A great feature of it is that the entire top plate swings open to show the battery, which can be easily removed or replaced for easy charging.

“Electrification is crucial for us,” Mercury Marine president Chris Drees says. “And Avator gives us a first glimpse at how we aim to fulfill our promise to be the market leader in both internal combustion engine products and electric propulsion.” Avator intends to take a piece of the market for electric outboard motors, which is now dominated by Torqeedo and ePropulsion, by promising quiet, smooth, environmentally friendly boating with zero direct emissions and little maintenance.

If you are curious about the new concept from Mercury marine, check out their site here for a more in-depth look.