Vision Marine Technologies enters into a joint development agreement with Weismann Marine, LLC

Vision Marine Technologies enters into a joint development agreement with Weismann Marine, LLC © Vision Marine

Vision Marine Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: VMAR) ("Vision Marine" or the "Company"), the global technology leader in the electric transition of the recreational boating industry serving both OEMs and consumers, announced today a joint development agreement ("JDA") with Weismann Marine, LLC to design and develop a lower unit (or gearcase) assembly for the Vision Marine's E-Motion™ 180 HP outboard propulsion system.

The development of a lower unit assembly requires a specific and precise level of expertise to accommodate the higher torque developed by our E-Motion™ 180hp fully electric powertrain. The higher torque output requires creating a lower unit capable of cooling the motor and maintaining a noiseless operation. This JDA with Weismann Marine provides the technical expertise to deliver a superior product for both OEMs and consumers in the marine industry.

"The lower unit converts the power of the outboard motor, which transfers power from the engine to the prop shaft, which moves the propeller, which in turns propels the boat. The ultimate goal is to create the most efficient power transfer to the propellor. The performance lower unit can be run much higher than a traditional gearcase. This is an important piece of the puzzle," said Alexandre Mongeon, co-founder, and CEO of Vision Marine.

Weismann Marine's and Vision Marine's shared objective is to design an operational prototype for a lower unit designated "MK5". MK5 will reduce power loss through the gear system, reduce hydrodynamic drag (the flow-through fluids, in our case, flow through the waterways), and mitigate operational gear noise. The prototype is also expected to maximize battery life through propeller efficiency, provide adequate cooling to the powerhead, and have a small nacelle. Weismann Marine will design, develop, procure materials, and produce lower unit prototypes for testing and evaluation.

"Weismann Marine takes great pleasure in having this opportunity to work with Vision Marine on its innovative E-Motion™ powertrain system. We believe that with our combined knowledge and expertise, the MK5 lower unit will help maximize the efficiency of the E-Motion™ outboard and battery, and in so doing create an unrivaled product for the marine industry", stated Pat Weismann, CEO of Weismann Marine.

This lower unit assembly, when completed, will be incorporated into the E-Motion™ powertrain through our Manufacture & Supply Agreement (announced October 2021) with Linamar Corporation subsidiary McLaren Engineering. The E-Motion™ will be sold in conjunction with a proprietary high density lithium-ion battery provided by leading global battery supplier Octillion Power Systems. This will be the first battery solely designed and manufactured for the marine industry.