Molabo-Powered Formula-4 Boat Sets First-Ever Electric Speed World Record at Mons Water Grand Prix
- Tess Smallridge
- Sep 7
- 4 min read
Mons, Belgium – September 7, 2025 — 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.
High-resolution photos and video:
https://molabo.com/wp-content/uploads/press/MOLABO_F4_Speed-Record_05.JPG (Foto © Quentin Debacker)
https://molabo.com/wp-content/uploads/press/MOLABO_F4_Speed-Record_06.JPG (Foto © Quentin Debacker)
About Molabo GmbH:
Founded in 2016 in Ottobrunn near Munich, MOLABO GmbH develops and manufactures advanced electric drives with 48-volt low-voltage technology for mobility and marine industries, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and performance. The company’s mission is to enable sustainable mobility worldwide with safe-to-touch low-voltage electric solutions. For the project, Molabo developed and supplied the components for the electrical retrofit of the motor of Team Tech-ouT's F4 racing boat.
About Team Tech-ouT E-Racing:
Founded by Philippe Touchet, the French team Tech-ouT E-Racing specializes in the development and racing of F4 boats. The team is a member of the Yacht Moteur Club de France and the French Powerboat Federation. As the initiator of the electric F4 project, the team brings together leading experts with the aim of setting a new speed record and establishing its own E-F4 racing series in the long term.
About Protenergies:
Founded in 2023 in the Paris region, Protenergies supports companies in the development of electric and hydrogen solutions for mobility and green energy - from the idea to financing and development to marketing. The goal: to identify and implement the best technologies for the energy and mobility transition of tomorrow. Protenergies is the exclusive global sales partner for the Molabo Aries 48 V drive system for converting combustion engines to electric drive in racing.
About Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur:
Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur has been manufacturing high-performance sports boats in its specialized shipyard in Bavaria since 2009. The focus is on individual production, precise craftsmanship and innovative technology. The ultra-light hulls, manufactured using a specially developed process, are particularly suitable for electric drives. Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur worked with Team Tech-out and Molabo to integrate the Molabo Aries 48 V system into Team Tech-out's F4 racing boat.
About the Yacht Moteur Club de France:
The Yacht Moteur Club de France (YMCF) was founded in 1907 with the aim of promoting the sport of motor boating in all its facets - from racing to water skiing and sailing. In the "era of the sportsmen", the club developed into a formative force in motorboat sport at national and international level. The YMCF organized numerous prestigious events, including the legendary 6-hour powerboat race in Paris. Today, the YMCF combines sport, tradition and innovation and is regarded as an ambassador for modern river yachting. At the same time, it is committed to responsible and sustainable motor boating. By supporting the "Team Tech-out" project, the YMCF is committed to the revival of powerboat racing through the use of electric motors.
About the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM):
The UIM is the world governing body for all Powerboating activities. It is fully recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and it is a member of the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), for which UIM President, Dr. Raffaele Chiulli also serves as President. The UIM has 65 affiliated National Federations. Circuit, Offshore, Pleasure Navigation, Aquabike and MotoSurf are the main disciplines. The UIM has signed a Cooperation Agreement with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to further its range of environmental initiatives, share expertise and work together for “greening” the Sport.
