UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat Series

The UIM E1 World Electric Powerboat Series is set to become the first racing series for electric motorboats. Under the umbrella of the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), hydrofoil boats will compete against each other in the E1 Series to raise awareness of the impact of climate change on rivers, lakes, and oceans.

The series organizers plan to hold events in the ports of major cities, such as Stockholm or Monaco.

As non-executive chairman, Alejandro Agag, founder of Formula E and Extreme E, is also involved in the development of the series. However, Rodi Basso is the CEO. The design of the race boat, named "RaceBird," is the responsibility of Norwegian Sophi Horne. The founding team also includes Yanni Andreopoulos (Head of Marketing and Commercial) and Brunello Acampora (Chief Naval Architect & Marine Engineer).

Race Format

Each race weekend of the E1 will consist of a test session, a qualifying session, and several knock-out races before the winner is finally determined in a final race.

In the first season of the E1, up to twelve teams are expected to participate. Each team is expected to acquire two boats: one of them will participate in the "solo events" of the E1 Series in European ports, while the other will travel with Extreme E to remote racing locations around the earth.

The field of drivers is expected to come from various industries. The series hopes to attract both experienced powerboat racers from existing championships as well as personnel who come from land-based motorsports.

RaceBird - the hydrofoil boat of the E1 Series

In the E1 Series, all teams are set to use a hydrofoil boat named "RaceBird" which was designed by SeaBird Technologies in collaboration with the global SailGP racing league. The boats are powered exclusively by batteries and electric motors and are expected to reach speeds of up to 50 knots (93 kph). The chassis is made entirely of carbon fiber, weighs 800 kg and will be controlled by a driver.

Success depends not only on the driving talent of the pilots, but also on their ability to manage the available energy. While unlimited energy is available during testing and qualifying, drivers will have to manage their power during the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals.

Technology