Monaco Energy Boat Challenge

SWISS SOLAR BOAT

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Swiss Solar Boat Team

TEAM

Swiss Solar Boat is a student initiative from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), founded in 2019, that unites over 75 students from diverse disciplines. After the success of its first prototype, Le Dahu, which achieved a 13 km hydrogen-powered crossing between Lausanne and Évian, the team is now developing a new boat: the REF (Renewable Energy Foiler). This next-generation prototype, powered by both hydrogen and solar energy, aims to push the boundaries of performance. Through this project, Swiss Solar Boat promotes clean technologies in the maritime sector while providing students with a unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges and contribute to the future of sustainable mobility.

Project

Our project aims to develop a high-performance solar-hydrogen foiling boat designed for efficient, zero-emission navigation. The vessel accommodates one pilot and two passengers, reaches a top speed of 35 knots, and offers a range of 160 km. Its innovation lies in a hybrid hull structure combining okoumé plywood and carbon fibre, reducing manufacturing emissions by 85% compared with conventional composites. The propulsion system integrates the motors directly into the torpedoes, enabling a direct connection to the propellers and minimising mechanical losses. The project aims are to compete in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge to benchmark our technology against the best zero-emission prototypes and complete a full circumnavigation of Lake Geneva (160 km) to demonstrate real-world reliability, endurance, and energy efficiency.