Vision Marine Technologies Files 16th US Patent for Electric Outboard Reverse Thrust

Vision Marine Technologies has filed its 16th US patent application, covering an electronic reverse-thrust architecture designed specifically for electric marine outboards.

The filing, announced on May 21, 2026, addresses how propulsion direction is managed in the company’s E-Motion high-voltage electric outboard system. Rather than using the mechanical gear-shifting mechanisms found in combustion outboards, the architecture controls direction electronically through motor rotation.

What the Patent Covers

The technical principle at the heart of the filing is straightforward: an electric motor can reverse direction without a gearbox. Vision Marine is seeking to protect an architecture that exploits that capability while remaining compatible with established lower-unit marine designs, so existing boat manufacturing processes do not need to be redesigned around it.

The company says the approach reduces moving components, which simplifies integration for manufacturers and potentially improves long-term serviceability for owners.

Daniel Rathe, Chief Technology Officer of Vision Marine, said:

Because an electric motor can reverse direction electronically, certain mechanical systems originally required for combustion engines can be reduced or eliminated. Electronic directional control creates opportunities to simplify traditional marine architectures while maintaining the reliability and usability standards expected by boaters.

The 16-application portfolio now covers propulsion controls, drivetrain integration, software architecture, cooling systems, energy management and marine system communication.

116 mph at Lake of the Ozarks

Vision Marine’s E-Motion 180E outboard delivers continuous 180 horsepower at the propeller. Its first commercial integration, the Four Winns H2e, was named Boating Magazine’s Boat of the Year 2023 in the bowrider category.

The platform’s performance credentials were put on public display at the 35th edition of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout in August 2023. Running in the APBA Kilo Run event, Vision Marine entered the competition with four-time UIM F1H2O world champion Shaun Torrente at the controls. Torrente reached 116 mph, beating the 109 mph mark Vision Marine had set at the same event the previous year.

The run drew on components from two specialist partners. Octillion Power Systems supplied the battery systems, and Danfoss Editron provided the electric motors at the heart of the E-Motion powertrain. Production boats, including the Four Winns H2e, were on display for attendees to inspect alongside the record attempt.

Torrente, who had won his third F1H2O world title in Sharjah nine months earlier and would go on to claim a fourth in December 2025, brought international race credentials to a record run that Vision Marine used to demonstrate the platform’s performance ceiling in a competition environment.

Alexandre Mongeon, Chief Executive Officer, said:

Our objective is not simply to electrify boats. It is to engineer solutions that reduce complexity, improve the ownership experience and create scalable pathways for manufacturers and consumers. Each advancement in our intellectual property portfolio strengthens the strategic foundation we are building across technology, retail and service.

Retail and Service Network

Beyond powertrain development, Vision Marine operates the Nautical Ventures dealership network across eight locations in Florida. The company positions this retail and aftersales infrastructure as central to its adoption strategy, offering sea trials, servicing and direct customer access alongside its propulsion technology.

Vision Marine Technologies is listed on the Nasdaq (VMAR) and the TSX Venture Exchange (VMAR). The company is headquartered in Boisbriand, Quebec.