The UIM E1 World Championship, the world’s first all-electric powerboat racing series, is making waves in marine sports by combining high-speed competition with cutting-edge technology and a bold commitment to sustainability. Launched in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on February 2, 2024, the E1 Series is redefining motorsport with its innovative approach, star-studded team ownership, and mission to drive environmental change. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes the E1 Series a game-changer, its sustainability goals, the technology powering its RaceBird boats, and why it’s capturing the attention of investors and sports legends alike.
The Mission: Racing Toward a Sustainable Future
The E1 Series, sanctioned by the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), was founded by Alejandro Agag, the visionary behind Formula E and Extreme E, and Rodi Basso, a former Formula One engineer with a passion for sustainability. Their goal is to create an exciting racing platform that promotes electric watercraft while addressing environmental challenges facing oceans, rivers, and lakes. The series aims to protect and regenerate coastal waters through innovative clean technologies and aquatic conservation initiatives, setting a new standard for marine sports.
Beyond racing, the E1 Series fosters community engagement and leaves a lasting positive impact on host cities. Events are designed to transform urban coastal areas into healthier, more vibrant ecosystems through local sourcing strategies and partnerships with marine biologists, such as Carlos Duarte, to support conservation efforts. The introduction of the E1 Blue Imprint Championship in 2025 will further this mission, with teams competing to deliver the most significant environmental impact through activism, aquatic restoration, and marine habitat research. This dual focus on competition and conservation makes E1 a unique platform for driving global awareness and action.
Sustainability Goals: Redefining Marine Mobility
The E1 Series is built on a sustainable ethos, prioritizing decarbonization and reduced environmental impact. Its key sustainability goals include:
- Promoting Electric Mobility: The series showcases the potential of electric propulsion in marine environments, reducing CO2 emissions and minimizing disruption to aquatic ecosystems. RaceBird boats are powered by renewable energy sources, including Stage 5 biofuel, solar, and pre-charged battery systems.
- Boosting Marine Biodiversity: E1 has set ambitious targets to revitalize coastal ecosystems, collaborating with host cities to protect and restore marine habitats through knowledge-sharing with leading scientists.
- Reducing Environmental Footprints: By using advanced electric propulsion and foiling technology, RaceBird boats minimize water disturbance and energy consumption, setting a model for sustainable marine transportation. Charging points introduced at race venues mark a step toward greener marine practices.
- Community Engagement: E1 events prioritize local sourcing and community involvement to reduce environmental impact and foster awareness about marine conservation, leaving a sustainable legacy in each host city.
These initiatives align with global sustainability trends, positioning E1 as a leader in the transition to eco-friendly marine mobility.
RaceBird Technology: Engineering the Future of Boating
At the heart of the E1 Series is the RaceBird, a 24-foot all-electric hydrofoil boat designed by Sophi Horne of SeaBird Technologies and manufactured by Victory Marine. Powered by a 150 kW (200 hp) electric motor from Mercury Racing and a 35 kWh battery from Kreisel Electric, the RaceBird can reach speeds of up to 50 knots (58 mph/93 kph). Its carbon-fiber chassis weighs just 800 kg, and its aluminum hydrofoils lift the boat above the water at 17 knots, reducing drag and minimizing environmental impact. The cockpit, designed for a single pilot, features a steering wheel and pedals akin to a single-seater race car, blending motorsport precision with marine innovation.
The hydrofoil technology, inspired by advancements in the marine industry, enhances efficiency by allowing the boat to glide above the water, reducing energy consumption and wake disturbance. This technology is not only a game-changer for racing but also has applications in commercial electric boating, influencing the future of sustainable marine transportation. Mercury Racing’s role as the official Propulsion and Propeller Partner underscores the series’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric outboard technology.
Investor and Celebrity Appeal: A Star-Studded Lineup
The E1 Series has attracted significant investment and attention from global sports and entertainment figures, leveraging their influence to amplify its message. Teams are owned by high-profile individuals such as Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, Steve Aoki, Didier Drogba, Virat Kohli, Will Smith, and Marcelo Claure, with LeBron James joining for the 2025 season. This star power draws a diverse audience, enhancing the series’ visibility and appeal.
Investors are drawn to E1’s unique blend of innovation, sustainability, and global reach. The series has secured partnerships with major players like Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Mercury Racing, SIMRAD, and C-MAP, reflecting confidence in its potential to revolutionize marine sports and mobility. The global race calendar, spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and now Africa with Lagos hosting in October 2025, offers investors exposure to diverse markets. The combination of cutting-edge technology, a sustainable mission, and a competitive racing format makes E1 an attractive proposition for those looking to invest in the future of sports and green technology.
Competitive Format and Recent Results
The E1 Series features a dynamic race weekend format, including testing, free practice, qualifying, semi-finals, playoffs, eliminator races, and finals, with male and female pilots sharing driving duties to promote gender equality. The inaugural 2024 season saw nine teams compete, with Team Brady, led by Tom Brady, clinching the championship on October 29, 2024. Notable moments included Team Miami’s pole positions, Team Drogba’s standout performance in choppy waters, and Westbrook Racing’s first finals victory. The series’ UIM E1 Pilot Academy trains new talent, ensuring a diverse and skilled field of racers.
Why E1 Is the Next Big Thing
The E1 Series is poised to become a cornerstone of modern motorsport due to its fusion of adrenaline-pumping racing, sustainable innovation, and global appeal. By showcasing the potential of electric propulsion, it challenges traditional marine industries to adopt greener practices while captivating audiences with thrilling races in iconic coastal cities like Jeddah, Monaco, and Lagos. The involvement of sports legends and the series’ commitment to environmental impact resonate with a growing demand for purpose-driven entertainment. As E1 expands into its second season in 2025, with new teams and locations, it is set to redefine marine sports and inspire a new era of sustainable mobility.
