ePropulsion showcases commercial and prototype electric marine tech in Monaco

Electric marine company ePropulsion powered six entries across multiple competition classes at the 13th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, demonstrating the utility of its electric marine propulsion technology. Participating vessels ranged from student-led prototypes and intelligent hydrofoils to a market-ready electric yacht.

Demonstrating electric marine tech across four competition classes

Held from 8–11 July 2026 at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the event gathered 54 teams representing 21 nationalities. The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge combined racing, sea trials, and technical demonstrations focused on electric, hydrogen, solar, and hybrid marine propulsion.

Basque university team pairs electric outboard with AI route management

Representing the University of the Basque Country in Spain, InnoBoat Bizkaia returned to Monaco with its latest student-designed Energy Class vessel, powered by an ePropulsion Navy 6.0 Evo electric outboard.

Designed and developed by a multidisciplinary team of students, the project combined electric propulsion with intelligent energy and route management. Its route-planning system used real-time Copernicus Marine data to optimise the boat’s course according to currents, while an AI-based conversational assistant provided the pilot with operational and energy-management information.

Throughout the event, the team put its engineering, efficiency and reliability to the test across the Energy Class programme, demonstrating how intelligent systems and proven electric propulsion can work together to improve performance on the water.

Shenzhen-developed Alaqua Y-3 claims third in SeaLab Class

Yushui Flight achieved a landmark result for Chinese marine innovation when its independently developed Alaqua Y-3 electric intelligent hydrofoil secured third place in the SeaLab Class.

The result made Yushui Flight the first Chinese team to reach the podium at the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.

Developed in Shenzhen, the battery-electric vessel integrates hydrofoil technology with an intelligent control system engineered to reduce drag, improve stability, and extend operating range.

According to the team, Alaqua Y-3 can reach a top speed of 30 knots with its 40kW propulsion system and requires 20kW to achieve 18 knots. Its performance in Monaco demonstrated the potential of advanced electric hydrofoils to deliver greater efficiency without compromising speed or control.

Hainan University tests smart propulsion in real-world conditions

In the Energy Class, ePropulsion supported a multidisciplinary research team from Hainan University as it tested smart marine technology and sustainable propulsion systems in real-world conditions. The entry reflects the increasing influence of Chinese academic institutions and engineering talent in driving forward intelligent, fuel-efficient marine innovations.

16-metre Wia 520 proves electric propulsion at scale

Alongside the student and technology competitions, the Wia 520 HardTop demonstrated how electric propulsion is already being applied to larger, market-ready leisure craft.

ePropulsion launched the 16-metre vessel at boot Düsseldorf this year, alongside several other company innovations.

The Wia 520 is one of the largest fully electric yachts currently available. Developed in collaboration with ePropulsion, it is powered by two 40kW ePropulsion I-40 electric inboard motors, delivering a combined output of 80kW. The propulsion system is paired with a standard 160kWh battery bank to support quiet, comfortable and zero-emission cruising.

The yacht took part in the Open Sea Xperience, where commercially available and near-market vessels were tested in open water for range, reliability and operational performance.

Its appearance demonstrated that the benefits of electric propulsion, including low noise, smooth operation and reduced maintenance, can be successfully scaled to spacious cruising yachts without compromising onboard comfort or usability.

Nurturing future engineering talent for cleaner boating

“Monaco brings together the talent, technology and ambition needed to accelerate the transition to cleaner boating,” says Danny Tao, CEO of ePropulsion. “The achievements of InnoBoat Bizkaia, Hainan University and Yushui Flight demonstrate the extraordinary potential of the next generation of marine innovators, while the Wia 520 shows that advanced electric propulsion is already capable of powering larger cruising yachts. We are particularly proud to have supported Yushui Flight in achieving this historic first podium finish for a Chinese team.”

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge has hosted more than 6,500 students and around 50 universities since it was established in 2014, creating an international platform for collaboration between education, research and the marine industry.

Find out more about ePropulsion on the company website.