Molabo-Powered Formula-4 Boat Sets First-Ever Electric Speed World Record at Mons Water Grand Prix

In a world-first for powerboat racing, a fully electric Formula-4 (F4) race boat set a UIM-sanctioned speed world record for an electric F4 craft at the Mons Water Grand Prix.
 
Retrofitted with Molabo’s 50 kW ARIES 48 V drive system, the boat was developed in partnership with Team Tech-ouT E-Racing, Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur, and Protenergies. The project proves that safe-to-touch, low-voltage electric propulsion can deliver race-ready performance and safety.
 
The official run established a UIM world record speed of 91.5 km/h on the one-kilometer course, where times are calculated from the average of two passes (94 km/h outbound, 89 km/h return). The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the global governing body of powerboat racing, has formally recognized the record.
 
“The acceleration is noticeably stronger than combustion engines. And from the cockpit, you feel another big difference: it’s much quieter, and vibrations are greatly reduced,” said Mael Touchet, who piloted the boat for Team Tech-ouT E-Racing.
 
Philippe Touchet from Team Tech-ouT E-Racing emphasized the importance of considering all UIM requirements for compliant and efficient racing, including safety: “Low-voltage systems are especially important in racing. If a boat flips and the cockpit floods, both driver and rescue divers remain safe from high-voltage risks. That’s a decisive factor in making electric racing safer and more accessible for more teams.”
 
“Molabo builds the world’s most powerful marine drives at low-voltage, and our patented technology has already shown its strength in real-world boating,” said Adrian Patzak, COO of Molabo GmbH. “With the propulsion system for the first all-electric F4 race boat, we’re showing that our technology delivers the performance to compete in one of the most exciting classes of powerboat racing.”
 
“This isn’t just about today’s run, it’s the first step toward electrifying the racing world,” stated Jean-Jacques Bucher, President of the Yacht Moteur Club de France, during the event.
 
Team Tech-ouT E-Racing’s Stéphane Collard continued: “We hope to see electric F4 boats competing in official races as early as next season. That’s what we’re working toward.” “We are ready to provide Molabo’s Aries 48-V propulsion system to any racing team looking to convert their motors to electric. This gives teams the chance to test, evaluate, and prepare for future E-F4 and S3 competitions,” noted Guillaume de Matharel, CEO of Protenergies.
 
The electric F4 race boat proves that combustion-powered racers can be retrofitted with sustainable propulsion without sacrificing competitiveness. It also represents part of Molabo’s long-term vision to accelerate maritime electrification and demonstrate the potential of low-voltage systems in demanding high-performance environments.
 
And while this record is a major milestone, Molabo and its partners are already working on the next stage: pushing to even higher speeds and paving the way for a cleaner, faster future of powerboat racing.