MOLABO was founded in 2016 in Ottobrunn near Munich and produces the world’s first and most powerful high-performance electric drive with touch-safe voltages of 48 V in Germany. Their mission is to enable sustainable mobility worldwide with touch-safe low-voltage electric solutions.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
MOLABO: We are specialized in the production of electric propulsion systems for the marine sector. Our flagship product is the ARIES 50, which is a 50 kW electric inboard drive that operates at a safe-to-touch 48-volt technology. ARIES 50 opens up the world of electric boats to everyone without any elaborate high-voltage safety measures.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
MOLABO: MOLABO has launched the new MOLAConnect Box, a pre-wired solution that significantly reduces the installation effort for the ARIES 50 inboard system at 48 V. With the MOLAConnect Box, the installation of the system can now be completed within one day, as it eliminates the need for individual wiring of components such as pre-chargers, 12V chargers, relays, and fuses. The motor and battery cables can be connected to termination points in the MOLAConnect Box, which includes a DC busbar for easy integration. Additionally, MOLABO offers pre-configured and pre-conditioned battery banks from the Mastervolt brand, further streamlining the installation process. The optimized and more efficient system is certified according to the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
MOLABO: At MOLABO, we currently offer the 50 kW inboard ARIES 50, which is suitable for motorboats, sailboats, and houseboats. This versatile electric propulsion system is also available as a twin system for catamarans, providing a solution for different boat types. In addition to the ARIES 50 drive, we also offer related components such as batteries, display, and cooling kits to complement the electric propulsion system. Furthermore, we are actively working on expanding our product range with a 50 kW outboard and a 25 kW inboard, showcasing our commitment to continuous product development and innovation in the field of electric boat propulsion.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
MOLABO: The market for electric boat motors is growing, driven by increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly propulsion solutions. Advancements in technology and stricter emissions regulations are fueling this growth.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
MOLABO: Government incentives and regulations, along with increasing interest in electric ferry and passenger vessels, are driving the market for e-mobility on water. This includes subsidies, grants, and tax incentives to promote the adoption of electric boats and ships, as well as emissions regulations and environmental initiatives to encourage sustainable maritime transportation. Electric ferries and passenger vessels are gaining significant interest due to their potential for reducing emissions and operating costs, as well as improving the passenger experience.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
MOLABO: MOLABO’s 48 V concept differs in many respects to the industry norm. Previously, all high power battery driven electric drive systems were by necessity powered by up to 800 V. This was to offer a system that is comparable in performance to combustion engines. With the ARIES 50 electric drive developed by MOLABO, high performance can now be achieved for the first time ever at a safe to touch 48 V. The core of the innovative technology is the new type of stator of the electric motor: instead of complicated to manufacture windings, simple bars are used which form a kind of cage. ARIES 50 combines the motor and controller into a single unit. The efficient low-voltage components achieve a measured system efficiency of over 95% at the optimum operating point. The system efficiency describes the combined efficiency of motor (97%) and controller (98%).
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
MOLABO: We see an increased adoption of electric propulsion systems, including inboard drives, outboard motors, and hybrid systems. This may be driven by growing awareness of environmental concerns and the need for sustainable transportation, leading to more boat owners, operators, and manufacturers seeking cleaner and more efficient alternatives to traditional combustion engines. As a result, there may be a corresponding expansion of charging infrastructure at marinas, ports, and other waterway access points to facilitate convenient and reliable charging for electric boats.
