NMEA adds Electric Propulsion Messages to NMEA 2000 Standard

Mar 27, 2023

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has released new NMEA 2000 messages (PGNs) to accommodate the growing electric propulsion and battery management market.

Six new NMEA 2000 Network Messages (PGNs) have been added to NMEA 2000 Standard, Appendix B, which manufacturers can use to implement into electric motor controls and status via NMEA 2000-certified control boxes and Multi-Function Displays (MFDs). NMEA is welcoming all manufacturers of electric motors, battery systems, and MFDs to adopt these messages as the electrification of boats worldwide continues to grow at a rapid pace.

“The volunteer NMEA 2000 Electric Propulsion working group members spent countless hours ingesting, digesting and reviewing the technical minutiae that is needed to get it right,” said Mark Oslund, NMEA Director of Standards. “They and all of the partner manufacturers deserve a huge thank you for their involvement and investment in the NMEA 2000 Standard.”

“As electric propulsion continues to expand, the MFD remains the command center of the vessel, said Mark Reedenauer, NMEA President & Executive Director. “The NMEA 2000 Standard has become the vehicle for vessel data of all types to be viewed and controlled from multiple MFDs on board. Adopting the NMEA 2000 Standard saves EP and battery manufacturer resources by partnering with certified MFD manufacturers, and utilizing their display to view data from motors and batteries.”, Reedenauer added

These new Electric Propulsion PGNs are available at no charge to manufacturers who have previously purchased the standard, providing that the manufacturer is a member of NMEA for the 2023 calendar year. Non-member companies who have previously purchased the standard can either renew membership to obtain the PGNs for free or can remain a non-member and pay 50% of the published price of the standard.

For more information, or to obtain your licensed copy of Version 3.000 of the NMEA 2000 Standard, email info@nmea.org or call 410-975-9425.