ExploMar, a technological business that specializes in high-performance electric outboard motor systems, has already introduced the 5S Energy Station solution in addition to the WAVE 300, WAVE 150+, and WAVE 70+ electric outboard motor systems. It just announced the release of a revolutionary new product, the improved SUPER/ISLAND Battery Platform, which will be formally unveiled at AS LABRUNA SRL’s stand at the 2025 Venice Boat Show. This platform marks a breakthrough in the “200 km range” technical barrier through system-level capacity growth and structural innovation, providing a strong basis for the global electric boating industry to enter a new age of medium-to-long-range practicality.
A vital part of the worldwide mobility network, waterborne transportation is about to undergo a change toward sustainability. Over 30 million boats make up the world’s recreational boat fleet, and 930,000 more are anticipated to be added in 2024, generating a market worth over 46.9 billion USD. Green mobility is becoming more and more of a reality as environmental restrictions tighten, fuel use is restricted, and energy costs keep rising. This is pushing the boating industry to fully electrify.
In terms of lifecycle economics, electric propulsion has several advantages over fuel-powered boats: energy costs are about one-fifth of those of conventional boats, electric propulsion systems can last two to three times as long, and maintenance needs are much lower—just a tenth of those of conventional powertrains. Electric boats are positioned as a crucial avenue for the development of sustainable aquatic transportation in the future since they simultaneously provide definite environmental advantages, such as zero emissions, low noise, and minimum pollution.
Electric maritime transportation still confronts significant technological obstacles, including “range anxiety,” which is most noticeable in medium-to-long-distance sailing scenarios, in contrast to the mainstream acceptance of electric cars on land. Current battery systems still have trouble supporting effective operations for about 200 km while retaining performance, despite the increased need for waterborne shuttles, high-frequency operation vessels, and small to medium-sized electric ferries. Innovation at the system level, especially in core battery technology, is crucial to advancing electric boats from short-range experiences to useful medium- and long-range capabilities.
Battery System Expansion to Meet Medium-to-Long-Range Demands
In ExploMar’s electric outboard motor systems, the battery is the core energy storage unit of the entire system. It not only determines the boat’s range but also plays a critical role in power output stability and operating costs. The newly launched SUPER/ISLAND Battery Platform has achieved system-level capacity expansion, featuring exceptional modular configuration capabilities.
Each outboard motor system can be configured with up to 270 kWh, while a dual-motor system can extend to 540 kWh, and a four-motor system can achieve a total energy capacity of 1,080 kWh. This not only meets the high-frequency usage demands of working boats and leisure vessels but also makes the full electrification transformation of traditional, high-fuel-consumption vessels, such as medium-sized ferries, a realistic possibility.
High Energy Density and Dual Thermal Management for Multi-Climate High-Performance Needs
On the performance front, the SUPER/ISLAND Battery Platform uses next-generation cells with an energy density of 250 Wh/kg, effectively balancing long lifespan, lightweight design, and high-power output requirements. This allows the entire system to maintain extended range while offering agile power response. The battery supports 1C to 2C high-discharge rates and fast charging capabilities and is compatible with both 400V and 800V voltage platforms, interfacing with mainstream port fast-charging networks to significantly improve energy replenishment efficiency at harbor and temporary dock sites.
Moreover, to address multi-climate operational challenges, the SUPER/ISLAND Battery Platform incorporates a dual thermal management system: a liquid cooling system ensures stable operation in hot climates, while an electronic heating system quickly activates in cold conditions to maintain cell activity and safe discharge. This dual-temperature intelligent thermal control design ensures that electric boats can operate stably in various climate conditions worldwide, enhancing the global navigability of electric systems.
Boatyard-Friendly, On-Demand Expansion, Creating a Flexible and Efficient Integrated Solution
The SUPER/ISLAND Battery Platform is designed with compatibility and installation flexibility in mind, optimizing the integration with the overall vessel design. The modular battery uses a double-layer cell stacking structure, with fixed dimensions of 710 mm in width and 300 mm in height. This design makes full use of the stern area space and allows for optimized vessel balance and layout.
Through ExploMar’s proprietary BMS battery management system and highly integrated high-voltage E/E architecture, a single electric outboard system can support up to three battery packs. Users and boatyards can flexibly configure the system based on range requirements, enabling “on-demand expansion.” This makes it easier for boatyards to match systems during new vessel construction and allows dealers and service providers greater inventory flexibility and project adaptation efficiency in after-sales energy replenishment solutions.
The launch of the SUPER/ISLAND Battery Platform marks the end of the 200 km range as a technological bottleneck for electric boats, signaling the beginning of a new era of sustainable waterborne transportation. We believe this platform will not only expand the range of electric boats but will also accelerate the adoption of electric technology and the establishment of technical standards worldwide, paving the way for large-scale implementation and commercial applications in diverse scenarios such as island transportation, water commuting, eco-tourism, and cross-shore shuttles, ultimately ushering in a new era of 200 km-range, zero-emission, low-maintenance, high-performance waterborne transportation.
