Mercury Racing Developing Powertrain For Electric Boat Racing Series

As the official Propulsion and Propeller Partner of the future Union Internationale Motonautique E1 electric powerboat racing championship series, Mercury Racing is developing an electric powertrain for the hydrofoil-based raceboats that will compete on the circuit. The series is slated to begin in Monaco in 2023, according to a press release this morning from the Fond du Lac, Wis., high-performance engine and accessories company, with “as many as 12 teams” and multiple international race venues.

An electric powertrain developed by Mercury Racing will be in the RaceBird, hydrofoil-based raceboats when the E1 electric powerboat racing championship series begins in 2023. Photo courtesy/copyright Lloyd Images.

The E1 Series partnership is designed to create the world’s first UIM-sanctioned electric powerboat racing championship “with competition held close to shore in urban areas,” according to the release.

Italy-based Victory Marine will manufacturer the E1 raceboat, which was designed by SeaBird Technologies in partnership with the Victory group. The canopied vessel features an electric outboard motor powered by a 35KW  battery. Projected top speed for the RaceBird, which was unveiled today in prototype form, is 58 mph.

“Mercury Racing is excited to contribute to this challenge, and looks forward to joining the E1 Series, SeaBird Technologies and Victory Marine in the development of high-performance electric powertrain components,” said Stuart Halley, the general manager of Mercury Racing, in the release. “Sustainable technology is already playing an important role in the future of marine motorsports, and we anticipate a successful partnership with the three organizations and the products that will result from our combined efforts.”

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