100 kW at safe-to-touch 48 V
Ottobrunn/Amsterdam, 12 November 2026 – 100 kW of propulsion power on a single shaft while remaining at safe-to-touch 48 V: MOLABO GmbH will give the marine industry its first look at its latest electric propulsion development at Metstrade 2026. The ARIES i100 DUO development prototype combines two ARIES 50 motors through a purpose-developed gearbox to create a compact 100 kW drive unit. The exhibit is a preview of the current development status. The official product launch is planned for 2027, with the ARIES i100 DUO expected to be available for order from autumn 2027. MOLABO will exhibit from 17 to 19 November 2026 in Hall 5, booth 05.403.
Two ARIES 50 motors, one output shaft
The core idea behind the ARIES i100 DUO is to combine two proven ARIES 50 motors mechanically. A gearbox specified and commissioned by MOLABO brings the power of both motors together and transfers it to a single output shaft. In this way, MOLABO is extending its 48 V concept to a 100 kW single-shaft power class without moving to a high-voltage architecture. “With the ARIES i100 DUO, we are showing how our 48 V approach can be transferred to the 100 kW class. What matters to us is the combination of high power, safe-to-touch low-voltage technology and compact integration,” says Adrian Patzak, CCO of MOLABO. Because the system operates at 48 V, installation and maintenance do not require the high-voltage safety procedures and specially trained personnel associated with HV systems. This can simplify integration for boatbuilders and system integrators and reduce complexity during servicing.
The motors are flange-mounted directly to the gearbox using an internal spline connection. Compared with a conventional coupling arrangement, this reduces additional components and helps keep the complete drive unit compact.
Two independent drive branches add redundancy
A key element of the prototype is the redundant energy supply. Each ARIES 50 motor is connected to its own battery system. If one motor or its associated battery branch becomes unavailable, the second drive branch can continue to provide propulsion. Full 100 kW output would no longer be available in that situation, but the propulsion unit remains operational with 50 % total power. For vessels where loss of the main drive can have significant consequences, the separate supply architecture therefore opens up additional options for system design.
Designed around restricted hull space
The geometry of the ARIES i100 DUO has also been developed with typical boat installation constraints in mind. The two motors are arranged in a V-like configuration around the gearbox, helping the unit fit into hull areas that narrow towards the bottom. The planned mounting base is no wider than 60 cm, which MOLABO says is comparable to the installation width of a conventional combustion engine in the approximately 120 hp class.
Horizontal or vertical installation is planned so that boatbuilders can adapt the orientation to the space available. The unit is also being designed to connect to propeller shaft systems with 4-inch or 5-inch flanges. The mounting structure is part of the overall concept and is being developed together with the motors and gearbox as one compact assembly.
Gearbox concept targets low maintenance
The purpose-developed gearbox is still part of the ongoing development program. Its design target is to operate over the intended service life without scheduled oil changes. Together with the direct internal spline connection of the motors, the concept is intended both to reduce installation space and to keep maintenance requirements of the future series solution low.
For system integration, MOLABO is building on components already used with its existing marine drives. The ARIES i100 DUO is being developed for combination with Mastervolt and Victron Energy battery systems that MOLABO already offers with other ARIES systems. This will allow boatbuilders and system integrators to work with established 48 V system components when configuring the new power class. The DUO concept is also being designed with potential upgrades in mind: where the existing installation and available space allow, boats already equipped with an ARIES drive could potentially be expanded to a DUO configuration.
A development preview, not a market launch
With the Metstrade premiere, MOLABO is making the next development step of its 48 V marine platform visible for the first time. The focus is not yet on a series product available for order, but on the architecture itself: two 48 V drives, separate battery systems, one mechanical output and a compact package that can be installed in different orientations. “At Metstrade, we are deliberately showing a development status, not a finished series product. Individual technical details can still evolve before the planned market introduction in 2027,” Patzak emphasises. The unit shown in Amsterdam therefore represents the current development status.
Trade visitors can see the prototype for the first time at Metstrade at RAI Amsterdam from 17 to 19 November 2026 and discuss the development directly with the MOLABO team. MOLABO is exhibiting in Hall 5, booth 05.403.
About MOLABO GmbH:
MOLABO GmbH, based in Ottobrunn near Munich, develops and manufactures high-performance electric drive systems based on 48 V technology. Founded in 2016, the company has been part of the Hechinger Group since January 2024. Its technological core is the patented ISCAD (Intelligent Stator Cage Drive) technology, which enables high electric power at safe-to-touch low voltage. For the marine market, MOLABO supplies complete propulsion systems with inboard and outboard solutions. The company also develops customised drive solutions as well as hardware, software and system integration for mobile and industrial applications. The motors are manufactured in Germany within the Hechinger Group.
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Bildquelle: MOLABO GmbH