Student-led Innovation Powered by Electric Propulsion Shines at the Forefront of Sustainable Marine Tech

Canton, GA – ePropulsion Americas, the global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services, announced today its proud support of four outstanding teams that pushed the limits of electric propulsion and clean marine innovation at the recent Monaco Energy Boat Challenge.

Held from July 1–5, 2025, and hosted by the Yacht Club de Monaco, this year’s event brought together over 40 teams from 20 countries, each working to reimagine what clean marine propulsion can do. ePropulsion expanded its impact across the full spectrum of clean maritime innovation by supporting teams in both the Energy Class, where boats are designed from scratch to optimize electric and renewable propulsion, and the groundbreaking new AI category, focused on autonomous, self-piloting electric vessels. 

“Supporting these teams isn’t just about our motors, it’s about the minds behind the machines,” said Danny Tao, CEO of ePropulsion. “We’re proud to stand with the next generation of marine engineers and prove that electric propulsion can be a powerful force for progress.”

“ePropulsion took our project to the next level,” said Team Leader Alfonso Isasi Porras. “Their support reflects the shared values of innovation and sustainability that drive our team.” 

Team Innoboat Bizkaia from the University of the Basque Country, Spain delivered a particularly memorable performance, securing 6th place in the third endurance race and finishing 9th overall, an impressive result in a crowded field of competitors. Team Innoboat Bizkaia’s showing confirmed what their engineering and determination made clear from the start: they came not just to compete, but to lead.

Their custom-built vessel, designed for speed, range, and zero emissions, ran on the ePropulsion Navy 6.0 Evo electric outboard — an electric motor known for its efficiency, durability, and clean power. The team’s performance in Monaco proved how far student-led innovation can go when paired with world-class electric propulsion.

Other Teams, One Shared Vision

ePropulsion is proud to support a diverse group of teams at this year’s Challenge, including:

  • Adria Innovamare Team (University of Rijeka, Croatia): Pioneering the new AI class with their autonomous vessel Karolina, powered by twin Pod 6.0 drives. 
  • Heriot-Watt University + PlusZero (Scotland): Merging hydrogen and electric tech with Experiment of Leith H2, driven by the Navy 6.0 Evo. 
  • Scotland +O – PlusZero Ltd: Featuring the sleek and efficient Vital Spark V3, powered by a Pod 6.0 Evo. 

These teams represented the future of clean maritime technology, from autonomous systems to hybrid innovation, and showcased the breadth of what’s possible with electric propulsion.

“Huge thanks to ePropulsion for powering our autonomous electric boat in the brand-new AI class,” said University of Rikjeka & Association of Applied Technical Sciences Rijeka Engineering Faculty member Ljubomir Pozder, MSc Naval Architecture. “Your support fuels our vision for the future of marine tech!”

For more information on ePropulsion or its revolutionary electric motors and accessories, please visit www.ePropulsion.com.

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About ePropulsion:

ePropulsion was set up in 2012 and is led by a team of technology entrepreneurs that are focused on developing uncompromising superior products. Since the company launched its first electric outboard it has fast become a force to be reckoned with in the electric propulsion market with a presence across Europe, the US and Asia. ePropulsion set out with a clear mission to become the global leader in marine electric propulsion systems and services. This pioneering, market challenger brand is at the very forefront of the industry and is recognized across the world for its exceptional product quality, performance, and technological innovations.

ePropulsion was the first company to launch a brushless, direct-drive electric outboard motor in the market and offers a portfolio of 1 – 6kW outboard engines across its Spirit and Navy ranges. These are renowned for being high quality, quiet, eco-friendly and low maintenance. In 2022, ePropulsion expanded its OEM capabilities with the global debut of the H-Series, an innovative 60-250kW electric inboard motor for vessels between 60 to 100’ (18-30m) with full displacement up to 200 tons. Subsequently, the I-Series was introduced, an environmentally friendly electric inboard motor series with advanced technology, smart features, and human-centric design. Supported by the ePropulsion Smart System Architecture (eSSA) and IoT connectivity service, it offers users an unmatched, easy-to-use, intelligent, safe, and reliable experience. The latest additions to the lineup include the X Series and the eLite Motor. Unveiled at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and METSTRADE 2023, the X Series features three innovative electric outboard motors—X12, X20, and X40—delivering remarkable propulsion systems with ingenious features. The all-new eLite is the smallest electric outboard in ePropulsion’s extensive portfolio. Benefiting from new technology and meticulous design, the eLite is set to transform the tender and small boat market. 

ePropulsion remains focused on providing customized and pioneering services for OEMs across the world, offering fully flexible solutions for a wide range of commercial and leisure marine applications. www.ePropulsion.com