What is billed as the first all-electric hydrofoil boat in serial production, Candela’s C-8 is now available for pre-orders with deliveries set to begin in early 2023.
Unveiled at CES 2023, taking place Jan. 5-8 in Las Vegas, the electric boat is primarily designed for recreational purposes, but Candela said it is also planning on marketing it to public water transportation as well. Already the company has conducted a pilot project in Venice, Italy, and this year a second pilot will begin in Stockholm, Sweden, said Mikael Mahlberg, communications manager at Candela.
The Venice project saw Candela’s P-8 Voyager boat used to replace traditional water taxis and commercial passenger watercraft, which are typically noisy, create waves and are environmentally unfriendly.
In the Stockholm pilot, Candela’s P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry, a 30 passenger, all-electric shuttle will be used by the city for public transportation this year. It was recently voted one of the 100 Greatest Innovations by Popular Science.
Additionally, Mahlberg said Candela is in talks with more than 100 other municipalities about water transportation solutions.
Electric boats gaining traction
Mahlberg said that while electric boats are not common today, much like the automotive market where the transition to electric is rapidly happening, he expects a similar wave to hit the maritime sector.
“In the past, traditional electric boats that mimic fossil fuel boats and ride in the water have been held back in range due to friction,” Mahlberg said. “The hydro foiling ‘flying’ technology is what makes a far superior experience to old-school hulls with combustion engines.”
Candela claims the electric hydrofoil C-8 is:
- The fastest electric boat
- The longest-range electric boat
- Noiseless
- Emissions free
- Wake free
- Seasickness free
“Boaters no longer must contend with vomit-inducing pitching and slamming, or the deafening roar from revving outboard engines,” Mahlberg said. “Once you’ve experienced flying above the surface in absolute silence, it’s hard to go back.”
