Candela develops electric powered hydrofoils. During movement, the body rises above the water, and only the wings remain in the water. This significantly reduces friction and, as a result, fuel consumption, compared to traditional powerboats. Thanks to the electric drive, such devices become quieter and more environmentally friendly.
A joint press release from Polestar and Candela noted that this is one of the world's first collaborations between an automotive and marine company in the field of battery technology. However, technical details about the batteries have not yet been disclosed, as well as the models of boats in which they will be installed.
Boat Candela
In the summer of 2021, Candela introduced the C-8 model to private customers, which aims to pave the way for high-volume production of battery-electric hydrofoils. This past June, Candela announced that it was also developing a hydrofoil shuttle called the P-12, which should be tested in Stockholm in 2023.
The Candela C-8 sails up to 50 nautical miles (57 conventional miles or 92.6 km) on a single charge. This makes it easy and quick to get, for example, from Monaco to Saint-Tropez.
At a speed of 20 knots (37 km/h), the boat consumes 0.8 kWh of energy per nautical mile - the equivalent of 0.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. The C-8 electric motor produces 45/50 kilowatts (61/68 hp), allowing it to accelerate to 30 knots (55.5 km/h) in good weather.
From a socket with a voltage of 230 V and a current of 16 A, the Candela C-8 battery is charged in 13 hours. A three-phase network (230 V, 32 A) will reduce the waiting time to 2.5 hours. The boat is designed for 8 people and is available in two versions: with and without a roof. The starting price is 290,000 euros. The first production samples should be released in the first half of 2024.
Sources: Polestar, Candela
