- Technology and Innovation
Plug & Play Performance: The Engineering Feat That Changes Electric Boating
METSTRADE Statement: The 48 Volt Power Play
The biggest innovations in the maritime sector often originate in the power curve, and at METSTRADE 2025, the definitive statement was made by MOLABO GmbH and their ARIES R50 electric outboard motor. This 50 kW continuous power unit is engineered around a 48 V nominal voltage. While other systems operate at higher, more volatile voltages, MOLABO’s patented stator cage technology allows them to deliver this exceptional thrust at a safe-to-touch voltage. For high-end tenders, day boats, and work boats up to 8 meters, or larger vessels requiring multi-engine installations, the ARIES R50 is already positioning itself as the gold standard in electric execution.
The Installer’s Edge: True Plug & Play Architecture
In the world of marine refit and new build, time is currency. MOLABO understands that sophisticated technology must be easy to integrate. The ARIES R50 system is designed as a complete, fully integrated solution. At the heart of this is the pre-wired MOLAConnect box, which enables quick, virtually frictionless installation. This “Plug & Play” methodology means the system can be easily integrated into a wide variety of hulls, saving valuable space and significantly reducing installation time and complexity—a crucial metric for any shipyard seeking to improve output efficiency.
Efficiency as a Metric: The 94% Advantage
The ARIES R50 is built for performance, delivering a maximum drive efficiency of up to 94%. This highly optimized energy use directly translates into operational advantages for the owner. Coupled with MOLABO’s choice of modular battery banks from industry titans like Mastervolt® (compact and powerful) or Victron Energy® (for long range and lower costs), the resulting performance is compelling. For example, the 60 kWh Victron bank can provide a range of over 67 nautical miles at eco speed, a definitive capability for vessels seeking genuine freedom of movement on the water. Low maintenance costs and an extended international warranty further cement this as a long-term lifestyle investment.
Functional Safety: The New Standard for Autonomy
Beyond performance, the ARIES R50 places a serious emphasis on safety. MOLABO takes a conservative, authoritative approach, ensuring the system not only undergoes the standard Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment (HaRa) but also develops its software according to the rigorous functional safety specifications of IEC 61508. This commitment to a higher safety standard is the kind of detail that speaks volumes to serious yacht builders and discerning customers, guaranteeing the peace of mind that comes with precision engineering and state-of-the-art technology.
The Verdict: The Final Word on Safe Propulsion
MOLABO’s presence at METSTRADE 2025 with the ARIES R50 confirms its pioneering role in electric propulsion. By successfully merging cost-efficiency, sustainability, and high mechanical output at a safe 48V, MOLABO delivers a sophisticated, durable solution. This German-engineered system is designed to provide boaters with the perfect balance of performance, safety, and environmental friendliness, making it the definitive choice for modern electric propulsion in its class.
