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ExploMar to Preview 400HP Electric Outboard at METSTRADE

6th November 2026
ExploMar's 300HP-powered XNRG RIB at the 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge
Electric Ambitions: ExploMar's 300HP-powered XNRG RIB competing at the 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, where it won the 16-nautical-mile Open Sea Xperience race. The company will preview plans for a new 400HP electric outboard at METSTRADE 2026.

Electric marine propulsion specialist ExploMar will unveil plans for a new 400HP electric outboard at METSTRADE 2026 in Amsterdam from 17–19 November, as the company expands its range of high-performance marine engines.

The Shanghai-based manufacturer will present the concept and outline its development plans to boatbuilders, distributors and marine industry partners ahead of the engine's official debut at the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show in March 2027.

The new model will extend ExploMar's existing high-performance electric outboard range, which includes engines rated up to 300HP, with the company targeting larger vessels and more demanding marine applications.

“From day one, we’ve believed that electric propulsion can be faster, stronger, and more exciting,” said Alex Dong, founder and CEO of ExploMar.

“Moving from 300HP to 400HP is another big step forward for us. But it’s not just about more horsepower. It’s about breaking new boundaries and showing that there’s still so much more to come.”

Racing Success in Monaco

ExploMar's latest announcement follows a successful appearance at the 2026 Monaco Energy Boat Challenge, where the 8.3-metre carbon-fibre XNRG RIB, powered by an ExploMar 300HP electric outboard, won the Open Sea Xperience 16-nautical-mile race.

The boat also recorded an average speed of 45.33 knots in the Speed Record competition, demonstrating the performance potential of high-powered electric propulsion.

The development follows other advances in electric propulsion covered by Afloat, including Torqeedo electric outboards entering Yamaha’s European dealer network. ExploMar's existing systems are used in recreational and commercial craft, including fishing boats, day cruisers, passenger ferries, tour boats, patrol boats and aquaculture vessels.

The company, founded in 2021, operates a manufacturing and research facility in Changshu, China.

Further details of the proposed 400HP outboard are expected when ExploMar presents its development plans at METSTRADE, before the scheduled official debut in March 2027.

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About Electric outboard engines

The direct-drive component in electric outboard engines means that the electric motors are incredibly efficient compared to conventional marine combustion motors, operating with considerably higher torque whilst using less power.

Without any need for gears, cooling systems and moving parts the motors are maintenance free, highly efficient and economic to run.

As a result, electric boat engines are becoming more popular on Irish waters as the world transitions from fossil fuels to green energy.

To date, popular electric engine sizes have been trolling engines typically used by fishermen on lakes.

These marine engines are available in models that can be used in fresh water and sea water, for your boat or kayak.

Electric motors are Ideal for fishermen because they are quiet and create little in the way of disturbance 

Popular electric trolling models range from 30lb thrust to 55lb thrust in a range of shaft lengths.

But use is becoming broader now in 2021 and electric outboard engines are being used on small runabouts and RIBS where electric outboard engine sizes are getting bigger.

Outboard electric engines are economical and environmentally friendly. Battery technology is also improving at a rapid rate meaning they are becoming smaller and lighter and run for longer.

Built in hydro-generation provides alternative recharging options whilst under sail are also options meaning the electric outboard now has a home on the stern on small yachts and dayboats too.

As far back as 2014, Torqeedo owner Jack O'Keefe from Cork Harbour told Afloat readers of his sailing adventures in a Drascombe Coaster dinghy and how after swapping from a petrol version the rewards from his new electric outboard engine are less noise, no smells, more stowage, better sailing performance and a motor that can be started by a small child. But it's still not silent, there's a whine he says here 

Popular brands in Ireland are Torqeedo, ePropulsion, Pulsar and Minn Kota but there are more arriving all the time as the technology advances