Candela
The Swedish tech company Candela has racked up more than 60 orders for its 290,000 euro electric boat, the Candela C-8, just five weeks after introduction – making the flying C-8 one of the fastest-selling 28ft boats on the market.
Compared to the company’s first model, the smaller and hand-built C-7 introduced in 2019, the bigger and more capable C-8 is made for rapid mass production which allows Candela to sell it for a price in line with conventional premium, fossil-fuel boats.
Using a new version of the company’s patented hydrofoil system. C-8 flies above the waves with greater range than other electric boats, powered by a silent pod thruster – the Candela C-POD.
The C-POD puts the electric motors in a torpedo-shaped pod under the water, eliminating mechanical gears and the associated noise. Shifting to electric direct-drive also reduces the number of moving parts, making the Candela C-POD more efficient. With 3,000 hours between overhauls, the Candela C-POD will last a human lifetime without maintenance.
Flying on computer-controlled hydrofoils that lift the hull above the waves and reduce energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional powerboats, the C-8 can cruise for more than 2.5 hours at 20kts. At a cruise speed of 22kts, the C-8 will cover more than 50nm (92km) on one charge of its 45kWh battery.
C-8’s on-board computer, the Flight Controller, adjusts and twists the hydrofoil about 100 times per second to maintain the best flight height and to counteract waves and side wind. The hydrofoils also reduce slamming by 90% compared to conventional hull boats.
In rough seas that prevent hydrofoiling, the C-8 can also be driven as a conventional boat, albeit with reduced range. By pushing a button on the touch screen, the hydrofoils will retract into the hull. This feature is also useful when entering a shallow harbor, or when storing the boat on a trailer. When driving in Shallow Mode, the C-POD motor and C-Foil are retracted and fully protected from both fouling and hitting submerged objects.
Candela’s 25-strong engineering team consists of experts in hydrodynamics, software, advanced computer simulations, mechatronics, and electric propulsions systems, among other fields.
All software and most hardware – including the Candela C-POD motor and controller for the foils in-flight – are designed in-house. Gone are the physical buttons and knobs found in conventional boats. All features, from foil retraction to route planning, are managed by the 15.4" panoramic touch screen running Candela’s intuitive User Interface. Boaters also can manage and monitor charging, route planning, heating etc. from the Candela app.
The first Candela C-8 boat is being assembled in Candela’s Lidingö, Stockholm factory during December 2021. First deliveries will start during spring 2022.