Molabo-Powered F4 Boat Sets Historic Electric Speed Record at Mons

A new milestone in marine motorsport has been achieved. At the Mons Water Grand Prix, a fully electric Formula-4 (F4) race boat retrofitted with Molabo’s 50 kW ARIES 48 V drive system set a world-first UIM-sanctioned speed record for an electric F4 craft.

The project, led by Team Tech-ouT E-Racing in collaboration with Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur and Protenergies, achieved an officially recognised average speed of 91.5 km/h over a one-kilometre course, with a 94 km/h outbound run and 89 km/h return. The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), the global authority for powerboat racing, formally confirmed the record.

Pilot Mael Touchet described the boat’s acceleration as “noticeably stronger than combustion engines” and praised the reduced noise and vibration levels. His father, Philippe Touchet of Team Tech-ouT E-Racing, highlighted the safety advantages of Molabo’s low-voltage system. “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” he said.

Adrian Patzak, COO of Molabo GmbH, added: “Molabo builds the world’s most powerful marine drives at low voltage….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.”

Jean-Jacques Bucher, President of the Yacht Moteur Club de France, called the event “the first step toward electrifying the racing world”. Stéphane Collard from Team Tech-ouT E-Racing confirmed ambitions for electric F4 boats to join official races next season. Protenergies CEO Guillaume de Matharel announced plans to make Molabo’s Aries 48-V propulsion system available to other teams seeking to convert their craft to electric power.

This record marks a turning point in powerboat racing, proving that traditional combustion boats can be converted to sustainable propulsion without losing performance. Molabo and its partners are already working on the next challenge – higher speeds and broader adoption of electric competition.

Watch a test of the World’s First Electric F4 Racing Boat: