Company Profile
Elco Motor Yachts
Company Overview
Elco is the leading manufacturer of inboard electric propulsion systems for pure electric, serial hybrid, and parallel hybrid electric with motors ranging from 6 hp to 100 hp. Our systems are used in new construction and re-powers to replace diesel and gas inboards. Elco motors CE approved and IP 65 rated to meet the high standards of the marine environment.
Company History
Electric Launch Company (Elco), originally incorporated on December 31, 1892, was first to introduce electric boats in the United States at the Chicago Exposition in 1893. Elco was requested to build fifty-five (55) 36-foot electric launches for this event. Ticket sales to transport people around the Chicago area lakes and rivers exceeded 1,000,000. The list of Elco owners reads like a social register, the name Elco is sewn into American history with owners like, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindberg, Mrs. George Westinghouse, The De Beers Family, the list goes on and on. This speaks to the quality, the attention to detail and the overall Elco experience. From 1892 through two World Wars, Elco designed and built more than 5,000 boats ranging in size from an 18 foot gig or yacht tender to cruising power boats up to 127 feet in length. It also built craft for the government of the United States and other countries, including lifeboats for the U.S. Coast Guard, launches and tenders for various navies, anti-submarine motor launches in World War I, and PT boats in World War II including PT 109 captained by Lt. John F. Kennedy. In 2008, Elco began development of it's three-phase AC induction motor with variable frequency control system. Today, the Elco EP motors are being used world-wide.
Notable Clients
The name Elco is sewn into American history with owners like, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindberg, Mrs. George Westinghouse, The De Beers Family, the list goes on and on.