Freetech MI, a yacht and boat components manufacturer, has commercialized technology that freely controls independent propulsion systems including electric and internal combustion engines.
The company announced on the 9th that it will unveil its "Parallel Dual Propulsion Hybrid System," which operates electric and internal combustion engine propulsion in parallel, for the first time at the 2026 Korea International Boat Show (KIBS) opening on the 6th of next month.
The system features the ability to operate electric and internal combustion propulsion simultaneously or selectively through a single electronic control interface. The company explained that high-output internal combustion outboard motors are used for high-speed navigation segments, while electric propulsion is employed for low-speed, precision operations such as entering and leaving ports, anchoring, and fishing, improving fuel efficiency and operational convenience.
Given strengthening global environmental regulations, energy efficiency is expected to become a key advantage.
While the marine industry is seeing rapidly growing demand for electrification due to global regulations, high-output electric outboard motors and large-capacity high-voltage batteries have been cited as obstacles due to high adoption costs and maintenance burdens. The parallel dual propulsion hybrid system adds 6-20 horsepower electric propulsion units and 48V batteries, significantly reducing initial investment costs compared to high-voltage electric propulsion systems.
The system is designed to expand onboard power usage based on a 48V marine electrical system.
An automatic charging function for electric outboard motor batteries during high-speed internal combustion engine operation is built in. When equipped with a small 48V battery (approximately 10kWh), charging within one hour is possible using electric vehicle V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) functionality.
Thermal-managed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries reduce fire risks in marine environments.
Electric propulsion reduces noise and exhaust emissions while maintaining the advantages of conventional internal combustion engines for long-distance, high-speed navigation.
Developed with 100% domestic proprietary technology, the system has built-in CAN communication ports for steering and propulsion control, offering excellent compatibility with future vessel markets.
Integration with domestic autonomous vessels and AI-based vessel modules is facilitated without patent royalty concerns or technological dependence that arise when using foreign components.
Founded in 1987, Freetech MI is a leading domestic marine components specialist that has developed and manufactured mechanical and hydraulic steering systems, control cables, and electronic control systems using its own technology.
Freetech MI CEO Kim Young-ki stated, "Starting with full-scale mass production of electric outboard motors and parallel hybrid systems in 2026, we plan to simultaneously pursue demonstration operations and overseas market expansion," adding, "We will present the most realistic and powerful alternative to boat owners worldwide who are struggling between eco-friendly policies and actual operating environments."