French racer David Helluin just kicked off the 2026 racing season by locking in the year’s very first Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) World Record. Flying across the water in the Circuit Electric Hydroplane Unlimited Voltage class, Helluin clocked a certified top speed of 87.25 mph (140.41 km/h).
Hydroplanes have always relied on high-octane gas engines, but electric propulsion is moving into the mainstream. Because these boats rely on trapping a cushion of air beneath the hull to lift out of the water and cut drag, weight is everything. For years, heavy battery packs ruined that delicate balance, making electric setups impractical.
That limit is gone. Newer lithium-ion tech provides massive power without the crippling weight penalty. Paired with high-efficiency axial-flux motors, these electric drivetrains deliver instant torque that combustion engines can’t match. Without heavy fuel loads or mechanical lag, electric hydroplanes accelerate instantly to get flat on the water, proving that clean marine tech can compete at the highest levels of speed.
Because this was the “Unlimited Voltage” category, the engineering team had total freedom with the build. There are no restrictions on battery size or motor power, allowing teams to test the absolute mechanical limits of electric propulsion on open water.
Motorsport photographer Kevin Daudigny caught the run on camera, capturing a great milestone for the French team.
