Swedish electric-propulsion company Zparq is bringing its Z10 electric outboard to the UK for the first time at the 2026 Southampton International Boat Show. The 10kW system will be displayed on the Electric Outboard stand from 18 to 27 September, giving small-boat owners a closer look at a lightweight direct-drive alternative to conventional petrol outboards.
The Z10 combines a submerged motor pod with electric trim and tilt, a 96V battery system and app-based range monitoring. Zparq positions it for new boats as well as repower installations, with short- and long-shaft versions intended to broaden the range of craft that can accept the system.
Hyperflow Cooling removes a conventional motor enclosure
The central engineering feature is Zparq's patented Hyperflow Cooling system. Instead of enclosing the electric motor and then adding a separate cooling circuit, the design allows surrounding water to flow directly through the motor between the rotor and stator, cooling multiple surfaces while the motor is operating.
Zparq says the arrangement reduces the number of moving parts and helps keep the submerged pod compact. The motor is direct drive, so there is no conventional gearbox between motor and propeller, while the manufacturer lists a propeller speed of 2,600rpm at the Z10's rated 10kW output.
Two portable batteries provide 5.6kWh
The standard battery system operates at 96V using two 48V modules. Zparq's current technical specification lists 5.6kWh of capacity from two 2.8kWh batteries, with further pairs adding capacity in 5.6kWh steps. Each battery weighs 20kg and has integrated handles so it can be taken ashore for charging where dockside power is unavailable.
Using the supplied 230V, 6A charger, Zparq quotes three hours from 10 to 80 per cent and four hours from 10 to 100 per cent. The companion mobile app provides battery status, estimated range and geofencing functions, giving the skipper another way to monitor the available energy before committing to a longer run.
Show specification highlights the low motor weight
Southampton's launch preview states that the short-shaft Z10 weighs 15.2kg plus its mounting bracket, while Zparq's current main product page lists 17kg plus the bracket for the Z10 range. The difference appears to reflect configuration, so buyers comparing installations should confirm the final production weight for the exact shaft and bracket package they order.
Either figure makes motor weight a central part of the Z10 proposition, although the complete propulsion system also includes the battery pair, charger and cabling. For trailer boats and tenders, total installed weight and where the batteries can be positioned will matter just as much as the outboard unit itself.
UK availability is planned for early 2027
The Z10 will be shown at Southampton on stand L122, with UK availability planned from early 2027 through Electric Outboard. The show debut arrives as the small-boat market continues to test where electric propulsion works best: short-range dayboats, tenders and craft with predictable duty cycles remain especially suited to systems that can return regularly to shore power.
For prospective owners, the useful comparison will be between real-world range at different boat speeds, battery weight, charging access and the equivalent petrol installation rather than motor power alone. Leisure Boat Guide will track published performance data as customer installations of the Z10 move beyond show demonstrations.