Prototype of the E1 Electric Racing Boat Presented in Monaco

This is meant to be a breakthrough in powerboat racing and, in the future, also in water tourism. The prototype boat that pilots of the UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat series will race in the world’s first electric powerboat championship was unveiled in Monaco.

The series itself is beginning to take shape. Initial on-water tests are already planned and are expected to answer whether racing in the new E1 series will begin as scheduled, in 2023. The host city of the inaugural round is planned to be Monaco in just over a year’s time, and the project has engaged Prince Albert II himself, who attended the presentation.

– This is an extraordinary moment for E1 and UIM. We are clearly riding an upward wave when it comes to transitioning to new propulsion technologies for watercraft – said Raffaele Chiulli, President of the International Motorboating Union (UIM). – We have an exceptional opportunity to lead the development of climate-friendly solutions in powerboat racing, knowing that they will have a clear and positive impact on the health of our planet. It is encouraging to see how quickly the team behind the transformation our planet needs is growing. I am delighted that so many important partners are joining us.

In the next step, engineers who created the prototype, named “RaceBird,” will focus on integrating the batteries and control systems and ensuring their cooperation with the propulsion system. Once this phase is completed, the boat will be ready to hit the water.

– I clearly see a direction that will allow us to bring this technology into recreational use as well. In this way, we have a chance to influence changes not only in water sports, but also in water tourism – added Raffaele Chiulli.

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The UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat series is being created for high-performance racing boats powered exclusively by electric systems. The concept is to hold races on short courses in prestigious locations, such as seaside resorts around the world. The futuristic “RaceBird” boats developed for this series use hydrofoil technology, will be piloted by a single driver, and will be capable of reaching impressive speeds of up to 60 knots, or over 110 km/h. These boats are being developed by SeaBird Technologies, a UK-based company that will collaborate with other high-performance boat manufacturers to jointly produce a super-fast and ultra-light racing boat. The concept is being developed in cooperation with SailGP, which is involved, among other things, in organizing regattas. As part of the strategic partnership, SailGP will provide support in event management and logistics.

Plans assume the creation of up to 12 teams, with E1 series drivers coming from both water sports (for example, current powerboat pilots) and motorsport backgrounds. Each E1 race weekend will consist of testing and qualifying sessions, followed by a series of knockout-style races leading to a final that will produce a single winner. The world champion will be determined based on results achieved throughout the entire season. Success on the racecourse will depend not only on speed in changing conditions, but also on the pilot’s ability to manage energy—unlimited recharging during tests and qualifying, but limited energy reserves in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals.

The new series will be licensed by UIM, the international governing body for powerboat racing.

(Prepared by Adrian Skubis / based on UIM press materials)

source: http://www.motorowodniacy.org/artykul/prototyp_wyscigowej_lodzi_elektrycznej_e1_zaprezentowany_w_monako.html#.YYpk-L3MKko