The new plug-and-play electrification kit with ARIES drive brings clean energy and scalable performance options to Formula 4 racing.
In a bold step towards cleaner and more affordable powerboat racing, Team Tech-ouT Racing, Molabo, Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur and Protenergies have launched an all-electric Formula 4 racing boat, which serves as a demonstration for a newly developed electrification kit.
At the heart of this modernization solution is Molabo’s 50 kW ARIES low-voltage propulsion system – a powerful, safe-touch system specially adapted for use in F4 electric racing boats. The kit allows for easy electrification of existing boats and, in addition to zero-emission propulsion, offers a future-oriented option for software-based power regulation – ideal for creating a safer entry into powerboat racing.
Formula 4
Formula 4 (F4) is an international class of inshore motor boat racing and a step towards qualifying for F2 and F1 motor boat competitions. The races take place on short, technical coastal circuits, using carbon fiber tunnel hull catamarans that reach speeds of about 130 km/h.
Introduced in the mid-2000s as a more affordable option, Formula 4 quickly gained worldwide support. Since then, its popularity has skyrocketed in the United Kingdom, Western Europe, and the Middle East, with international events opened in countries such as the US and China.
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What does the new model come with?
The all-electric F4 model will reduce noise and vibration, eliminate emissions, reduce the carbon footprint of the sport and drastically reduce ongoing fuel and maintenance costs, making professional motorboat racing more affordable and attractive to emerging talent.
“Molabo’s low-voltage motors are perfect for the F4. They have a lot of power, intense acceleration and are safe and easy to use for racing teams,” said Jürgen Kaiser from Kaiser Bootsmanufaktur, who led the integration project. “We replaced the internal combustion engine with the ARIES propulsion system, using the existing outboard engine. The big challenge was the weight of the battery. We looked for modular, lightweight and very energy-dense batteries and designed a custom mounting solution so that the modules could be changed quickly and easily between races for a fully charged set.”
F4, debut on June 28
F4 will make its debut on the water 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 attempt a speed record attempt. Subsequently, between August 21 and 24, the boat will make new demonstrations and a record attempt on inland waters at the Grand Prix on Ape Mons in Belgium.
Designed to deliver high performance at 48V, the powertrain is designed as an upgrade to existing F4 external combustion engine racing boats. It is lightweight, compact and designed for easy integration as a practical solution for racing schools, clubs and youth development teams. The ARIES powertrain also offers the key advantage of software-controlled power regulation, an essential feature for youth racing programs and driver training.
“Race organisers, coaches and teams can reduce speed and torque 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 open up new performance possibilities or even lead to more fun racing in the future. For example, race officials could impose penalties by remotely reducing available power,” said Stephane Collard of Proterenergies.
“We are excited about the future electric F4,” said Adrian Patzak, Chief Operating Officer of Molabo. “It is a safe, clean and affordable retrofit solution for the next generation of Formula 1 series powerboat competitors.”
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