Lake Tahoe to get Candela ferry

Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoil is coming to Lake Tahoe. (Illustration: Candela)

Situtated on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe attracts more than 15 million outdoor enthusiasts year-round. As a result, road congestion has become an ever-increasing problem, especially in winter when heavy snowfall impacts travel. To offer a solution, FlyTahoe and marine tech company Candela recently announced plans to introduce a zero-emission vessel that will make its U.S. debut: the Candela P-12 flying electric ferry, which recently launched on Stockholm, Sweden’s waterways.

The FlyTahoe ferry said it will connect the northern and southern parts of the lake in under 30 minutes, while driving around the lake often takes over two hours in the winter. FlyTahoe will create a vital link to the 14 world-class ski resorts encircling the lake, making it an ideal option for tourists and locals alike.

The P-12, which Candela said is the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, is a 30-seat vessel, designed to accommodate skis and bikes. It uses hydrofoil technology — computer-guided underwater wings — to fly above the water’s surface at high speeds, unaffected by waves and wind.

The wings lift the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag and cutting energy consumption by a staggering 80% compared to conventional vessels. This is what allows the P-12 to be fully propelled by renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels, while providing a smooth ride above the waves even at high speeds. The vessel’s computer Flight Controller uses sensors and software to balance the craft above the waves and amidst the wind, adjusting the foil’s angle of attack 100 times per second to provide a silent and smooth ride.

“It basically works like a jet fighter, which is constantly balanced using ailerons. The principle of the P-12 is the same, except our wings fly in water instead of air,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela.

The P-12’s C-POD electric propulsion system ensures zero emissions, preserving the pristine beauty of the lake for future generations, and the company said the direct-drive C-POD motors eliminate the risk of oil spills.

Ryan Meinzer founded FlyTahoe this year. (Photo: FlyTahoe)

“It’s ironic that while millions, myself included, drive around Lake Tahoe to admire its beauty, the road sediment we generate contributes to the largest threat to the lake’s famous cobalt blue clarity,” said Ryan Meinzer, founder and CEO of FlyTahoe. With locations in Tahoe Vista and San Francisco, Calif., the company was founded this year. “Our service will provide a faster transport than cars or buses, while keeping the lake blue.”

Because Lake Tahoe, which is the second deepest lake in the U.S., never freezes over, the ferry can operate year-round. This added mobility convenience will enhance business and improve the lives of both locals and tourists, providing a versatile zero-emission solution to reduce traffic during both summer and winter seasons.

“This fusion of flight and electric technologies not only unveils a powerful new business opportunity with nearly 10x operational efficiency but also offers an unmatched customer experience of comfort and safety. Plus, we’ll not just be moving people faster; we’ll be boosting socio-economic mobility by connecting the north and south of the lake,” said Meinzer.

A detailed analysis completed by the Tahoe Transportation District in 2012 recognized ferries as the best solution to reduce traffic congestion along Lake Tahoe’s north-south route, citing lower costs per user and faster travel times than cars and buses.

Candela said that analysis, conducted before the advent of its P-12 technology, did not account for the electric ferry’s ability to reduce energy usage by 80% compared to traditional ferries.

The timing for the U.S. debut of the P-12 in U.S. waters was not disclosed.