New plug-and-play electrification kit with ARIES drive brings clean power and scalable performance options to powerboat racing.
In a bold step toward cleaner, more accessible powerboat racing, Team Tech-ouT Racing, Molabo, Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur and Protenergies have launched a fully electric Formula-4 race boat that serves as a demonstrator for a newly developed electrification kit.
At the heart of this retrofit solution is Molabo’s ARIES 50 kW low-voltage drive—a powerful safe-to-touch system specifically adapted for use in electric F4 race boats. The kit enables the easy electrification of existing boats and, in addition to zero-emission propulsion, offers a forward-looking option for software-based power adjustment – ideal for creating a safer entry into powerboat racing.
Formula‑4 (F4) is an international inshore powerboat racing class and a step toward qualification for F2 and F1 powerboat competition. Races are held on short, inshore technical circuits using carbon‑fiber tunnel-hull catamarans that reach speeds of around 130 km/h.
Introduced in the mid‑2000s as a more affordable option for racers to enter the world of tunnel boat racing, Formula-4 quickly gained worldwide support. Since then, its popularity has skyrocketed across the UK, Western Europe and the Middle East, with open international events in countries like the USA and China.
The all-electric F4 will reduce noise and vibration, eliminate emissions, lower the sport’s carbon footprint and drastically reduce ongoing fuel and maintenance costs, making professional powerboat racing more accessible and attractive for emerging talent.
“Molabo’s low-voltage drives are perfect for F4. They have plenty of power, intense acceleration, and they’re safe and easy for trained race teams to work on.” Jürgen Kaiser of Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur, who led the integration project, said. “We replaced the combustion engine with the ARIES drive using the existing outboard motor. The big challenge was battery weight. We sourced very high energy density, lightweight, and modular batteries and designed a custom mounting solution, so the modules can be quickly and easily swapped for a fully charged set between races.”
The F4 will make its on-water debut on June 28 in Mâcon, France, for a demonstration of its performance. Then, on July 3, the team will compete in the Sea Lab Class at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge and will make a speed record attempt. Subsequently, from August 21 to 24, the boat will make new demonstrations and an inland water record attempt at the Mons Water Grand Prix in Belgium.
Engineered to deliver high performance at 48 V, the propulsion system is designed as a retrofit for existing combustion outboard-powered F4 race boats. It’s lightweight, compact, and made for easy integration as a practical solution for race schools, clubs, and youth development teams. The ARIES drive also offers the key advantage of software-controlled power adjustment, a critical feature for youth racing programs and driver training.
“Race organisers, trainers and teams can scale back speed and torque output for new drivers or training scenarios to ensure a safer and more controlled learning curve,” explained Philippe Touchet, from the Tech-ouT racing team.
“Looking ahead, electric power systems could potentially unlock new performance possibilities or even lead to more entertaining races in the future. For example, race officials could impose penalties by remotely reducing available power output,” said Stephane Collard from Protenergies.
“We’re excited about the future of the electric F4,” said Adrian Patzak, COO of Molabo. “It’s a safe, clean, and affordable retrofit solution for the next generation of Formula-series powerboat racers.”
