WaVeS 28: autonomous electric outboard, E1 Series, solar ferries, electric waterbike and a new electric boat club
Plugboats’ WAVES (Watts, Amps, Volts, Electrons) series is a regular collection of electric boat and boating news items that we have written about before and are updating, or items we are going to write about but are waiting for more information / developments – or items that are just tidbits you might find interesting.
Here is WaVeS #28, with electric boat and boating news about:
- E1 electric raceboat championships announces 2026 schedule
- Ilmor Ion 6 outboard gets ‘Unleashed’ for autonomous use
- Archipelago nation Maldives acquires its first solar ferry
- International Electric Marine Association partners with India Boat & Marine Show
- Mallorca launches the Mediterranean’s first Electric Boat Club
- Otter electric waterbike comes to US with Nautical Ventures
E1 Racing Series announces 2026 Schedule
E1 Series, the world’s first all electric raceboat Championship, has announced the calendar for its third season. The first race weekend is set for January 23 and 24, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
There are seven more races in various high profile locals, with the finale taking place in the Bahamas to mark E1’s first-ever race in the Caribbean. Last year saw the event come to Africa and the USA for the first time.
Here is the complete schedule for next year: January 23-24: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia • April 24-25: Lake Como, Italy • June 13-14: Dubrovnik, Croatia • July 17-18, Monaco • September 4-5: To Be Announced • October 3-4: Lagos, Nigeria • November 14-15: Miami, USA • November 21-22: Bahamas
The 2025 season saw the addition of two new teams: Team AluLA, championed by basketball star LeBron James, and Team Monaco, owned by the Principality. AluLA joined on the 2nd race of the 2025 season while Team Monaco was announced four weeks before the end of the year and will make its debut in Jedda.
See Plugboats coverage of all races in the 2025 E1 Series Championship:
Jeddah Doha Dubrovnik Maggiore Monaco Lagos Miami
There are 9 teams in the Championship, each owned by a well known name in sport, entertainment or business. Team Brady, owned by NFL superstar Tom Brady won the first two championships. Other teams are owned by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, Producer/DJ Steve Aoki, Actor Will Smith, footballer Didier Drogba, cricketer Virat Kohli, singer Marc Anthony and Brazilian entrepreneur Marcelo Claure.
The teams have female and male co-pilots at the helm of the hydrofoiling RaceBird boats designed by SeaBird technologies. The competitions take place on waters close to shore with lap lengths of about one kilometre and the SeaBirds hitting top speeds of 50 knots (93 kph) propelled by 150 kW (200 hp) engines and 35kWh high discharge battery packs.
Like many racing organizations, E1 pushes the boundaries of engineering and technology – in this case that of electric propulsion – to advance consumer and commercial options. It also promotes sustainability and preservation of ocean waters, with the profile of the team owners helping raise awareness.
The 2025 campaign saw sell-out crowds and the signing of broadcast rights that now make the racing available to over 1 billion people worldwide. The 2026 builds on that with a truly international Championship that is now broadcast in over 140 territories.
Ilmor Ion 6 autonomous electric outboard integrated into defense system
Propulsion systems manufacturer Ilmor Engineering has announced a new collaboration with autonomous maritime systems developer HavocAI to integrate their advanced electric propulsion technology with Havoc’s fleet of autonomous vessel platforms.
The new partnership – dubbed the ‘Ion Unleashed’ platform – is aimed at the defense sector and is an enhanced version of the Ilmor Ion 6 electric outboard motor for recreational boating,
The motor has intelligent architecture and advanced systems integration features that seamlessly integrate with HavocAI’s autonomous systems to enable sophisticated remote control capabilities and communication profiles. Advanced power mapping capabilities deliver customizable power output profiles that provide enhanced performance bursts when needed while maintaining the reliability essential for autonomous operations.
“This partnership is more than a technical collaboration, it’s a shared commitment to redefining what’s possible in autonomous marine defense,” said Ilmor Marine vice president, Mike Lindberg. “The Ion Unleashed is proof of what happens when two companies with aligned values and an innovative spirit come together to push electric propulsion into new territory.”
Maldives orders first solar ferry
The Republic of Maldives, the archipelago of islands that constitute Asia’s smallest nation, is made up of 26 atolls and 1192 islands with a total land area of only 298 square kilometres (115 square miles) spread over 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 square miles) of the Arabian Sea.
In April it will be receiving its first solar ferry, the Apollo model by Navalt Solar Boats of India, equipped with a 40 kW (55 hp) electric motor and 50 kW LFP battery with a 25 kilowatt solar panel array installed on the roof.
Navalt is the largest manufacturer of solar electric boats in India and delivered the sub-continent’s first solar-electric ferry, the award-winning Aditya, nine years ago. The Apollo is designed to handle rough seas and operate in conditions up to “sea state 5” with wave heights of up to four meters (13 ft). The ferry will have a cruising speed of 8 nautical miles per hour and a passenger capacity of approximately 75 people.
The ferry is a component of Maldives’ sustainability program, developed at the UN Small Island Developing States (SIDS4) Conference in 2024. A critical issue for the Republic is to reduce the use of diesel fuel for energy production and transport between the many and distant atolls and island communities. Meeting the Government’s goal of 33 per cent green energy supply by 2028 is a key priority where UN and World Bank initiatives can contribute.
IEMA teams up with India Boat & Marine Show
In a related story, the International Electric Maritime Association (IEMA) has announced a new partnership with the India Boat & Marine Show (IBMS) as the expo’s official Industry Association Partner for its 8th edition, to be held from January 29–31, 2026 at the Bolgatty Palace Event Centre in Cochin, India.
As evidenced by the Maldives Apollo project and numerous initiatives in India itself, the country is rapidly emerging as a regional hub for maritime electrification, with pioneering projects in inland passenger ferries, water taxis, and hybrid workboats already demonstrating the country’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
States such as Kerala, Goa, and Assam are investing in electric fleets for public transport and tourism, supported by national initiatives to modernize inland waterway infrastructure. In Kerala’s Greater Kochi region, a water transport system launched in 2021 will connect the city’s communities and business areas with a fleet of 78 battery-operated electric hybrid boats operating along 38 terminals and 16 routes spanning 76 kilometres (47 mi).
“We’re hugely proud to have entered this partnership with IEMA, because being selected by them is not something that every show organizer can achieve,” said Joseph Kuriacose, CEO of Cruz Expos, organizer of the India Boat & Marine Show. “It shows that the IBMS can be a platform for promoting sustainable maritime solutions in this sector.”
“India is a growing and important part of the global maritime landscape,” said Adria Jover, President of IEMA. “Our presence at IBMS reflects IEMA’s ongoing effort to build stronger connections across regions and to include emerging markets in our shared conversations. Being here allows us to link our members with new opportunities, deepen our understanding of port development and regulatory policies, and strengthen our collective view of the maritime industry worldwide.”
India Boat & Marine Show website IEMA website
Announcing the first Zero-Emission Boating Club in the Mediterranean
Entrepreneur Philipp Von Arnim has announced the creation of the Mallorca Electric Boat Club, the first sailing club in the Mediterranean based exclusively on electric boats, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to sail the waters of Mallorca without emissions, noise or environmental impact.
Based in Marina Molinar, the Mallorca Electric Boat Club introduces an innovative concept in recreational boating: memberships and corporate plans that provide access to modern electric boats and allow members to enjoy the Mallorcan coast in a sustainable, flexible way with all premium services included.
Founder Von Arnim says “Our goal is to create a boating community that is environmentally conscious, but at the same time enjoys all the luxuries and services they are used to. This combination is a unique attraction and adds value to the boating experience.”
The club offers a number of options.
- Club Membership gives access to the freedom of boating without the expense and hassles of maintenance, insurance and the unexpected problems that can come with boat ownership.
- Casual renters can take advantage of captained chartered day cruises to discover Mallorca’s hidden bays, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy the sea without any responsibility.
- Businesses can book meetings, team day, or client events at sea with tailored service and amidst the unforgettable setting and stunning views of Mallorca’s coast.
The launch of the Club is an innovative way of helping establish Mallorca as an international benchmark for responsible tourism and nautical innovation. The long term goal of the Club is to be the first in a Mediterranean and European network of environmentally friendly sailing experiences.
Majorca Electric Boat Club website
OTTER ‘electric waterbike’ expands into US through Nautical Ventures
OTTER, the Swiss company behind the innovative ‘Otter Bike’, is expanding into the United States through a partnership with Florida-based Nautical Ventures.
Nautical Ventures will serve as OTTER’s exclusive reseller in Florida and feature the Otter Bike prominently at the AquaZone, the interactive water sports area at major U.S. boat shows like the upcoming events in Miami (Feb 11-15) and Palm Beach.
The OTTER Explorer is an ‘electric waterbike’ that combines the health and sustainability benefits of cycling with the comfort and freedom of boating. Two pedal generators transform mechanical energy into electrical energy which, together with electricity from a battery power, is delivered to electric motors that can achieve cruising speeds of up to 12 kph.
The Explorer was first piloted in Switzerland in 2024 and launched more widely in Europe this past year. Founder Gian Zimmerman says “We’ve proven the concept with customers, collected valuable feedback, and seen that the product delivers both on performance and on experience. Expanding to the U.S. was the natural next step.”
Nautical Ventures is one of the most prominent marine retailers in North America, with nine locations across Florida. Recently purchased by electric outboard developer Vision Marine Technologies, it has added a strong electric presence to its range of products with a range of electric boats, personal watercraft and water toys.
OTTER adds an exciting new dimension to its portfolio. “It’s a new category of water recreation” said Zimmerman, “and we believe it will resonate strongly in the U.S., especially in Florida where lifestyle, wellness, and water are so deeply intertwined.”
Otter website Nautical Ventures website
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