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Great summary of the best electric motors available for the TI/AI. Each has its pros and cons and I carefully reviewed them all before deciding on the 1103 AC.
I ruled out the Bixpy because they don't (yet) offer a 3HP version and effectively mounting them on a TI is a challenge. You can power a TI with a 1HP motor, and I've done that for years with my Torqeedo 403, but they're a bit too slow and don't have quite enough power for very challenging situations such as bad weather conditions, large waves, and heavy currents. I've pointed this out many times. Mounting two would be difficult and costly and nowhere near as efficient and effective as one 3HP motor. Now that 3HP electric motors are an option, I see no compelling reason (other than cost) to buy a 1HP.
I like the ePropulsion motors. They are the closest competitor to Torqeedo. If I were starting from scratch, I might go with them, however, I already own two expensive Torqeedo batteries, so that made no practical sense for me. Additionally, they only offer a traditional outboard-style model such as the Torqeedo Travel series. These can be effectively mounted on the TI/AI using the same type of mount as with the Suzuki, but if you wanted remote control, which is highly desirable especially if you want to sit up front in a TI, you need to also purchase the costly remote control option. ePropulsion does sell pod-style motors but it would be quite challenging to effectively mount them on a TI. The other factor was build quality and reliability. ePropulsion hasn't been around that long. From what I can see, their build quality looks very good, but it's not yet proven, at least as far as I can tell. They're made in China, and as we all know, both great and awful products can come from China. My guess is that they're made well, but at this point, it's only a guess. At least with Torqeedo, I know from years of experience that their German design and build quality is excellent and they do stand firmly behind all of their products. I've received excellent and fast service from them the only two times I had minor issues with my 403, and repair parts and dealers are readily available. I do wish someone would purchase and long-term test an ePropulsion motor on a TI, as I've done with Torqeedo. That information would be very valuable to anyone deciding on the best electric motor option.
The 3HP Torqeedo 1103 AC is unique in that it's probably the best choice for a kayak-style boat like the TI/AI. While a traditional outboard-style electric motor can effectively be mounted on a TI, it's not the best option in my opinion. The 1103 AC can be remotely controlled from both the front or back seats and in addition to controlling both power and reverse, it can also be quickly and easily raised and lowered from either seat. This is considerably easier and more effective than with a outboard-style electric motor, and since the remote control is included with the 1103 AC, you don't need to pay $$$ extra for it. I also really like the low-profile compact design which is much more suited to a kayak in my opinion.
All electric motor options are still very expensive, and it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon. At around $3000 for either Torqeedo or ePropulsion, this will never be the most cost-efficient option. Extra batteries are expensive as well. If cost is the major factor, then you're stuck with the Suzuki. But, if you have the funds available, electric motors offer many advantages over gas outboards, especially the very quiet operation, which for me, was huge. I can travel all day in glorious peace with my 403, and the 1103 AC is even quieter. I own a Suzuki 2.5HP gas outboard and I can't take much more than a half-hour's worth of listening to it drone on before it gives me an awful headache and ruins my day. Dealing with the gasoline was no fun either. My Suzuki is often hard to start, requires much more maintenance, is considerably harder to control, and has no real reverse. This is highly subjective though, a Suzuki might be fine for others and the cost is far less expensive. That said, I've seen boaters spend a lot more than $3K to power their boats. I'm always amazed when I see people of ordinary means show up at the dock with twin 250HP outboards strapped to the back of their powerboats. Many of us can afford $3K, but these people have spent more than ten times that just on their motors alone. Crazy. It's all a matter of it's worth it to you. For me, having an electric motor was well worth the cost because I love going out on my TI, some of the best days ever. Even with the electric motor, I've spent far less for my TI rig than most people spend on their boats. Even entry-level boats now go for well over $20K. So, it's all a matter of perspective and what you're willing to spend for your boating enjoyment.
I originally purchased my TI to sail, but let's face it, it's not the greatest sailboat. Over the years, I discovered that I need my motor far more than I originally thought. If the wind conditions are excellent, you can have a great time sailing, but in my experience, the winds need to be a minimum of around 5 knots and a maximum of around 18 knots. If lower, the TI is very cumbersome to sail if it sails at all, if higher it can be quite dangerous. How many days are the winds great or going in the direction you want to go? The TI can be sailed for many, many miles and be quite far from the dock or shore and the winds can then die down or become dangerous. Or you may wish or need to go in a direction where the winds make it difficult or impossible. A motor resolves all these issues. This is why most modern sailboats have motors. If you find yourself on the water on a windless day, you can still have a great time. If you find yourself in dangerous sailing conditions, a motor can get you safely back. If you need to go in a direction where the winds make it hard, you can still go in any direction you want. This is why a motor is so important on a TI (even with the pedal drive, which unless you're in great shape, can only be used just so effectively). If you're only a very short-distance sailor, you can maybe rely just on the winds and pedals. However, the TI is built well enough for long-distance or even some minor off-shore sailing, but it needs a motor to make this safe, effective, reliable, and more enjoyable. So, spending $3K on a motor may well be a good investment for many who really enjoy their TI and prefer it to other style boats. I also own a PWC boat that can go over 70 mph, but nothing beats a relaxing, peaceful day on the water with my TI. This is why the cost was acceptable to me. You simply can't pay enough for that kind of wonderful peace of mind few things in life can give you.
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