Meet Fusion | Foil Drive’s Longest Runtime Yet!

Introduction

Two years after unveiling the Gen 2 system—a system many riders would agree reshaped the assisted-foiling landscape—Ben and Paul from Foil Drive are back with something entirely new. They call it Gen 2.5. They call it Fusion. Based on what they’ve shared, this release isn’t a minor update or a simple refresh. It’s a third pillar in the Foil Drive ecosystem, designed to deliver more runtime, more power, smarter technology, and a flexible experience that spans from full e-foil capability to lightweight surf-assist freedom.

Fusion is the next progression of assisted foiling. It’s built on the foundation riders already trust, but expanded with more capability and future-proof design so the system keeps getting better over time.

This is an in-depth look at the Fusion platform, the technology behind it, and who it’s designed for.

The Fusion Concept | Building on Gen 2 With Two Major Breakthroughs

Ben and Paul started with a clear goal: take everything riders love about the Gen 2 system and push it further in two crucial areas.

1. Significantly More Runtime

Fusion packs an 864 Wh battery at 43 volts—nearly double the runtime of the original Max battery with only a small increase in size. For riders who want long downwinders, multiple surf laps, or extended exploration time, this battery solves one of the biggest limitations of electric assist.

2. More Power

The team boosted voltage to increase output, redesigned internal cooling, and built the entire system around sustained high power. Riders who wanted a punchier takeoff, stronger climbs, and longer high-output sessions now have a system designed for exactly that.

Fusion isn’t a replacement for Gen 2. Instead, it fills the gap between assist-focused riding and full e-foil capability. It sits comfortably as the most powerful, longest-lasting option in the lineup.

Battery Architecture | Smarter, Stronger, and Built for the Long Haul

43V Battery with Smart BMS

Fusion introduces the most advanced Foil Drive battery to date. Key updates include:

• 864 Wh capacity
• Higher voltage for more thrust
• Smart BMS with Bluetooth integration
• Accurate battery percentage readings
• Nearly double the runtime of previous batteries
• Only slightly larger physical size

The battery now communicates directly with the controller, making the percentage readout behave much more like a smartphone—accurate down to the digit.

Chassis Design | Hydrodynamics Protected

Despite needing a larger power pack, Foil Drive kept the hydrodynamic shape nearly identical to the Max.

• Overall frontal surface area remains extremely close
• Two-thirds of the added length extends behind the unit
• One-third extends forward
• Ride feel remains familiar and balanced

Fusion delivers more capability without changing the way the board trims or feels beneath your feet.

Cooling and Internal Upgrades

Moving into high-power territory required a full overhaul of internal architecture:

• Redesigned PCB layout
• Enhanced cooling pathways
• Machined cooling channels visible from the outside
• Improved thermal performance for hot climates
• Built to sustain long, high-output sessions

These updates live beneath the surface, but they’re essential to delivering the Fusion’s increased performance.

Safety and Control | The New IMU and Tilt Sensor

Fusion adds a tilt and IMU system that pairs with the Foil Drive app.

You can program the system to automatically shut off the motor if the board pitches or rolls past a user-defined angle. This is especially helpful for beginners who tend to fall off the back of the board or accidentally nose-dive during early attempts. It adds a meaningful safety layer without complicating the ride experience.

V3 Controller | Ground-Up Redesign With New Ways to Ride

The controller looks familiar at first glance, but nearly everything inside and on the screen is new.

Throttle Modes

The controller now supports multiple power-delivery styles:

• Linear throttle (classic mode)
• Gear mode (multiple preset power levels you assign yourself)
• Boost button (instant, temporary power bump on command)

Gear mode is especially helpful for learning to get to your feet or maintaining consistent power during tricky moments.

Screen Upgrades

The new display is substantially brighter and adds:

• GPS speed
• Top speed
• Trip distance
• Real-time power draw
• Hyper-accurate battery percentage

Firmware Updates Through the App

Both the unit and the controller can now receive firmware updates via the Foil Drive app, enabling the entire system to evolve over time.

New Charger and Tool Caddy | More Convenience, More Intelligence

Waterproof 43V Charger

Fusion introduces a new charging system with an industry-first storage mode.

Two selectable charge states:

• Fully charge the battery
• Automatically charge to the ideal storage level

Just press a button and walk away.

USB Charging Built In

The battery caddy includes USB-A and USB-C ports (65W max), allowing you to charge:

• The controller
• Your phone
• A laptop

Automatic Battery Discharge

If your battery is fully charged and the session doesn’t happen, the caddy can automatically bring the battery down to the optimal storage voltage using a built-in heat sink.

Foil Drive packed every convenience they could think of into one compact system.

Compatibility | Fusion Fits Right Into the Foil Drive Ecosystem

Fusion extends the Gen 2 platform rather than replacing it. That means:

• Existing motors
• Propellers
• Integrated masts
• Accessories
• Tools
• Spare parts

All continue to work within the Gen 2.5 environment. Riders upgrading from Gen 2 won’t be forced to replace their entire setup.

Who is the Fusion For?

Fusion is built for two main rider groups:

1. Existing Foil Drive Riders Wanting More

Anyone already loving their Gen 2 but wanting:

• More power
• Longer sessions
• Higher performance
• More flexibility

Fusion directly answers their feedback from the past two years.

2. Riders Wanting a True E-Foil Alternative

Some riders want the benefits of e-foiling without being locked into a full e-foil platform. Fusion bridges that gap.

It allows riders to:

• Use any board they want
• Use any foil or mast they want
• Switch between assist and full-electric style
• Ride e-foil one day and surf foil the next

Fusion brings the best elements of e-foil performance together with the freedom of an assist system.

Key Takeaways

• Fusion is the new Gen 2.5 platform, not a replacement for Gen 2.
• 864 Wh at 43V dramatically extends runtime and increases power.
• New IMU sensors add a major safety upgrade.
• The V3 controller introduces gear mode, boost mode, GPS, and app-based updates.
• Redesigned cooling enables sustained high-power operation.
• New charger adds storage mode, USB charging, and automatic discharge.
• Nearly everything remains backwards compatible.
• Fusion offers the freedom of assist with the punch of an e-foil.