Candela launches C-8 hydrofoil speedboat

Candela C-8 speedboat (Photo: Candela)

Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela has launched the new, all-electric C-8 hydrofoil. Powered by the same 69 kWh battery pack from a Polestar 2 (a battery-electric vehicle produced by Volvo under the premium Polestar brand), the Candela C-8 is reported to have a range of 57 nautical miles (65 US miles) on a single charge at a cruising speed of 22 knots (25 mph).

The range is said to be between two and three times more than that of a conventional electric speed boat, while also comparing favourably with how ICE powerboats are generally used (in terms of journey length).

The Candela achieves these range figures by using hydrofoil technology. At a predetermined speed, the boat raises itself out of the water onto computer-guided underwater wings. This helps to reduce friction by up to 80% over conventional boats travelling at high speed.

“This collaboration means that C-8 can travel to destinations previously only reachable by combustion engine boats,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela. “The Candela C-8 powered by Polestar marks a significant breakthrough for electrification at sea.”

The battery-electric boat can carry up to eight passengers (Photo: Candela)

The C-POD motor outputs about 75 kW/100 hp to achieve ‘take off’, after which the motor draws approximately 23 kW/30 hp continuously. It is said that a similar sized boat would use 120 kW/160 hp.

Weighing 1700 kg (3850 lb), the new vessel measures 8.5 m (28 feet) in length and 2.5 m (8.2 feet) in width. The speedboat can carry up to eight passengers.

Using DC charging, the Candela C-8 will be able to recharge at supporting locations along coastlines.

“Sharing our know-how on batteries and vehicle engineering with Candela will help us reach our shared goal of transitioning to a future where all forms of transport are sustainable,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO, Polestar.