Developing products to be used at sea in Norway requires more than just technical precision – it requires understanding weather conditions, usage patterns and expectations from Norwegian boat owners.
Golden Motor has delivered an efficient and compact solution with a focus on engineering: optimal motor, battery technology and controller. But we saw a need to adapt the product to Nordic conditions – both technically and aesthetically.
That's why we partnered with Bård Eker and Eker Design. After thorough testing of the engine in the summer of 2019, the entire unit was disassembled and analyzed piece by piece. We evaluated material selection, connections, and durability in saltwater over time. Based on these findings, we developed a list of improvements that were implemented in collaboration with Golden Motor. The result is an engine we trust – designed for reliability in Norwegian conditions.
Below you can see examples from the process together with Eker Design.
Focus 1 - Operational safety in Norwegian waters!
ENGINE DEVELOPMENT
Focus 2 - Aesthetics meets usability
Eker Design carries out around 70 design projects annually, from idea to finished product. Together we wanted to create an electric outboard motor that not only delivered technically, but was also a product we would buy ourselves – and be proud of.
After an extensive concept phase with several design proposals, we settled on a version with a centered control arm and a recessed top cover. We chose simple and durable switches over a touchscreen – for increased robustness and ease of use.
Ergonomics were an important part of the process. We moved the motor housing closer to the user, shortened the tiller arm and made the entire design more compact and easy to handle. This makes it easy to lift the motor from, for example, a dinghy to a larger sailboat.
The Tesla-inspired touchscreen on the arm was discarded in favor of a simpler and more reliable switch.
We continued working on ergonomics. For us it was important to have a simple design and a design that could be easily lifted and carried around. We therefore shortened the arm and moved the entire engine housing closer to the driver. This ensures a more compact appearance and a much easier movement of the engine from, for example, a dinghy up to the pushpit on a motorsailer.
Everything is of course designed in 3D. Here we show an overlay between the original design from Golden Motor and the Impulse version of the engine.
Built for simplicity and performance
The entire control arm is now cast in aluminum and designed with fewer parts for increased reliability and easier production. The arm cover is injection molded in one piece – durable and functional.
The motor housing itself is the result of extensive work involving thermal analysis, manufacturing optimization and testing with 3D printed prototypes. The finished housing consists of one aluminum part and one plastic part – a design that both looks good and can withstand use in harsh conditions.
We are proud of the result – and dare to say that this is the best electric outboard motor in its price range. Regardless of fuel.
Without prototypes and tests - no top product.
Below you can see pictures from 3D printing and tooling machines being commissioned.
BATTERY DEVELOPMENT
We don't blindly trust numbers and fine promises.
After many years of experience with automotive batteries, we know that it’s not always a good idea to believe everything you read. Many people talk about “long life”, but few explain what that actually means. It’s not just about how long the battery lasts, but also how it’s stored – temperature and charging play a big role. How many times can it be discharged before it loses power? Things like that are important to understand when you’re going to make something that really lasts.
We wanted to create a battery that is perfectly suited for small boats.
Our goal was a lightweight and user-friendly battery – ideal for dinghies and inflatable boats, and perhaps also for use at the cabin or in the camper. The battery should be easy to carry, easy to use and have good capacity. Together with Eker Design, we developed a compact battery that still delivers a lot of power.
The result? A powerful battery that weighs less than 15 kg.
We are still in the final stages of development, but we are proud of what we have achieved: a 3 kWh battery that weighs less than 15 kg – which is at the forefront of the industry. We have achieved this thanks to close cooperation with leading manufacturers in Europe and Asia, and Norwegian experts working on electric ferries.
Powerful, light and safe – with technology from electric cars.
The battery uses the same advanced chemistry (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt, NMC) found in many of the best electric cars. It is built with solid materials (aluminum and plastic), and is well insulated to withstand stress without getting too hot.
Tested and quality assured .
Our partner supplies batteries to the automotive, marine and energy industries. Our battery has been thoroughly tested and optimized for use in electric outboard motors – and we believe it is among the best integrated battery packs you can get.
