When selecting marine propulsion equipment, replacing old and new engines, and discussing comparisons among boat users, the power conversion of the Fuber G4.0 (Global 4.0) electric outboard motor has always been a frequently asked question. Many users are confused about what unit the number 4.0 in the model represents, how it converts to the horsepower of traditional gasoline outboard motors, and the difference between theoretical values and actual equivalent power. Based on official parameters, industry conversion standards, and the power characteristics of electric outboard motors, this article fully breaks down the horsepower conversion method, calculation formulas, numerical results, and practical application references for the Fuber G4.0.

1. Official Basic Specifications of Fuber G4.0

The Fuber Global 4.0 (referred to as Fuber G4.0) is a small and medium-sized electric outboard motor built on a 48V platform developed by Tianjin Fuber Technology. The number 4.0 in the model name indicates a rated power of 4.0kW, not directly marked horsepower.

Core basic parameters:

Rated Power: 4.0kW (4000W)

Voltage Platform: 48V

Application Scenarios: 4-10 meters leisure boats, lure fishing boats, small yachts, and unmanned working boats. It features ultra-quiet operation, zero emissions, high torque, and stable propulsion.

The electric outboard motor industry uniformly adopts kilowatt (kW) as the official rated power unit. In contrast, traditional gasoline outboard motors and the marine engine market generally use metric horsepower (PS) and imperial horsepower (HP) for power marking. The two unit systems are different, requiring standard formula conversion. Meanwhile, a distinction must be made between pure theoretical physical conversion and actual on-water equivalent propulsion horsepower.

2. Basic Power Units: Two Horsepower Conversion Standards (Industry Universal)

First, clarify the two major horsepower systems in marine power engineering to avoid conversion confusion, which is the prerequisite for all calculations:

1. Metric Horsepower (PS, National Standard, Widely Used in China)

Universal standard for global marine machinery and domestic internal combustion engine industry

1 Metric Horsepower (PS) = 0.735 kW

1 kW = 1.36 Metric Horsepower (PS)

2. Imperial Horsepower (HP, For European & American Models)

Commonly used for American marine engines and export parameter specifications

1 Imperial Horsepower (HP) = 0.746 kW

1 kW = 1.341 Imperial Horsepower (HP)

3. Accurate Theoretical Horsepower Conversion Calculation for Fuber G4.0

Based on the official rated power and standard formulas above, pure physical theoretical horsepower is calculated directly as follows:

1. Conversion to Metric Horsepower (PS, Preferred for Chinese Market)

Horsepower (PS) = Rated Power (kW) ÷ 0.735

4.0 kW ≈ 5.44 Metric Horsepower (PS)

2. Conversion to Imperial Horsepower (HP, For Export & European & American Reference)

Horsepower (HP) = Rated Power (kW) ÷ 0.746

4.0 kW ≈ 5.36 Imperial Horsepower (HP)

Conversion Summary (Theoretical Values)

Theoretical Physical Horsepower of Fuber G4.0 (4.0kW):

Domestic Metric: 5.44 PS

European & American Imperial: 5.36 HP

4. Key Misconception: Electric Outboard Motor ≠ Gasoline Engine, Analysis of Actual Equivalent Power

Many boat owners wonder after applying the kW-to-horsepower formula: why does the actual thrust of a 4kW unit outperform higher-powered gasoline engines despite only having slightly over 5 theoretical horsepower? This stems from differences in power characteristics between electric and gasoline outboard motors, and is the most common pitfall during equipment selection.

1. Differences in Power Principles

Gasoline outboard motors rely on air intake, combustion, piston transmission, and multi-stage gear reduction, resulting in substantial mechanical loss. The rated horsepower represents crankshaft output power, while effective propulsion power at the propeller is significantly reduced, with overall system efficiency only ranging from 60% to 75%.

The Fuber G4.0 electric outboard motor adopts a permanent magnet synchronous motor and optimized direct-drive transmission structure. It delivers instant high low-speed torque with zero power delay. The combined efficiency of the motor and transmission system reaches 75% to 85%, with far lower energy loss from electric power to propeller thrust compared to gasoline engines.

2. Actual Equivalent Gasoline Outboard Horsepower of Fuber G4.0

Based on official calibration of Fuber series products, on-water measured thrust data, and industry empirical equivalence standards for electric marine motors:

The Fuber 4.0kW (G4.0) electric outboard motor delivers on-water propulsion performance equivalent to a traditional 6~7 horsepower gasoline outboard motor in real-world operation.

Reference comparison: Fuber 3kW model is officially rated equivalent to 6HP gasoline power. With reasonable power gradient matching, the 4.0kW unit provides greater power reserve, supporting larger hulls and heavier loads.

3. Why Theoretical Values Differ from Equivalent Practical Values?

Theoretical conversion only performs pure physical unit transformation from electrical power to mechanical power, excluding mechanical loss, torque characteristics, and propulsion efficiency.

Gasoline engine horsepower refers to combustion shaft output power, with considerable power reduction before reaching the propeller.

Electric motors feature full initial torque, no idle power loss, and linear power output across all speeds. Under identical theoretical power ratings, electric motors outperform gasoline engines in acceleration, load capacity, and low-speed cruising performance on water.

5. Complete Conversion Comparison Table & Quick Selection Reference

A comprehensive table covering all conversion dimensions of the Fuber G4.0 is compiled below for direct reference, parameter labeling, and old-engine replacement comparison.

6. Universal Conversion Formulas (Applicable to All Fuber Series Models)

For convenient conversion of all Fuber models including G3.0 and G8.0, universal formulas are provided for direct application:

Kilowatt (kW) → Metric Horsepower (PS)

PS = kW ÷ 0.735

Kilowatt (kW) → Imperial Horsepower (HP)

HP = kW ÷ 0.746

Reverse Conversion (Calculate Power from Known Horsepower)

kW = PS × 0.735

7. Conclusion & Practical Recommendations

Official accurate conversion conclusion: The Fuber G4.0 (4.0kW) delivers 5.44 PS theoretical metric horsepower and 5.36 HP theoretical imperial horsepower.

Practical equipment selection: There is no need to overemphasize pure theoretical figures. Its comprehensive on-water performance is equivalent to a 6-7 horsepower gasoline outboard motor, perfectly fitting 4-7 meters small speedboats, lure fishing boats, leisure sightseeing boats, and small working vessels.

Standard parameter labeling: Adopt metric horsepower (PS) for internal technical documents and domestic market promotion; use imperial horsepower (HP) for export business; refer to gasoline equivalent horsepower for old engine replacement and product promotion.

Core takeaway: When evaluating electric outboard motors, kW-to-horsepower numerical comparison alone is insufficient. Torque performance, propulsion efficiency, and low-speed power output are the core factors determining sailing experience. Thanks to its high-efficiency electric drive architecture, the Fuber G4.0 achieves outstanding over-performance propulsion with only 4kW rated power.