Candela starts production of record-breaking electric C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’ boat
Nov 7, 2023
Production has begun of Candela’s revolutionary C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’ electric daycruiser, ushering in a new era where electric boats can cover hundreds of miles in a day, with DC charging.
Having recently set a 24-hour range record for electric boats with a prototype, the Swedish electric hydrofoil boat manufacturer, Candela, proudly announces production has started of the first Candela C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’ units in its Stockholm-based factory.
The Polestar-powered version of Candela’s C-8 daycruiser, which was announced in January, utilizes the same 69 kWh battery pack and DC fast charging technology as the electric fastback Polestar 2, Standard range Single motor version. This unique partnership unites the two Swedish premium electric companies’ efforts to accelerate the shift to more sustainable electric mobility.
This not only means a leading electric range of up to 57 nautical miles at 22 knots, but also that C-8 is the fastest-charging boat on the market, ready to take full use of the marine DC charging networks being built out in the US and Europe.
The performance of the C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’ was demonstrated recently when the prototype set a global distance record for electric boats, traveling 483 miles within 24 hours, enabled by DC charging.
“Marine DC charging coupled with our hydrofoil technology’s long electric range will introduce new ways to explore on coastlines and archipelagos. Whereas cruising nautical miles in a day in a petrol-powered boat is challenging due to noise and slamming, it’s not only doable but very enjoyable in a C-8,” says Niklas Nordin, Chief Product Officer at Candela.
With the capability to cruise at speeds up to 27 knots and recharge its battery in only 35 minutes via DC charging, the Polestar powered C-8 boasts an electric range that is 2-3 times that of traditional powerboats, yet charges more rapidly.
Such traits make it equally suitable for exhilarating days of waterskiing and long-range journeys between waterfront communities, with its comfortable cabin offering all the amenities for overnight stays.
The C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’ is available in three versions; as an open Daycruiser, a weather-sheltered Hardtop and a T-TOP model for sunny climates.
The Candela C-8 is also available in a limited Polestar edition, combining Polestar’s Scandinavian take on luxury EV design with Candela’s innovative electric hydrofoil boat technology. The bespoke design cues include a new solid light grey color, specially designed seat upholstery and hydrofoils painted in iconic Swedish gold.
Stockholm-based Candela Technology AB is the world leader in hydrofoiling electric vessels. The company was founded in 2014 by engineer and business leader Gustav Hasselskog with the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans by developing electric vessels that outperform those powered by fossil fuels.
Candela’s watercraft have wings (hydrofoils) that lift the hull above the water and reduce friction, using 80% less energy than conventional ships at high speed. This technology allows for long-range water travel solely on battery power, a first in the industry. Candela’s hydrofoils also enable operators to transition to sustainable fleets by providing up to 50% lower operational costs.
At the heart of Candela’s hydrofoil tech stack is the Flight controller, which automatically stabilizes the vessel during flight by regulating the foils, using sensors that gauge wave height and wind speed, among other factors. Even in rough weather, passengers experience 90% less g-forces than they would on a traditional boat. All Candela vessels are fully connected and receive over-the-air updates.
After five years of research and development, Candela began producing the world’s first electric hydrofoil leisure boat in 2019, the Candela C-7 open “roadster of the seas”. This was followed in 2021 by the high-volume market Candela C-8, which will be delivered to the first customers in spring 2023. Over 150 C-8 units have been sold to date, and the vessel has been lauded as a “game changer” by Motorboat and Yachting magazine, winning numerous awards including the 2022 European Powerboat of the Year award for its superior seakeeping, long range, and high speed.
In 2023, Candela is launching its first commercial vessel, the Candela P-12 Shuttle ferry. It is poised to set multiple world records for being the fastest and longest-range electric ship ever built, with a top speed of 30 knots and a range of up to 60 nautical miles. It will also be the most energy-efficient fast ship ever made in its size class. Substantial operational cost savings are expected. The first unit is water launched during summer 2023.
Candela is a technology company with headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, employing over 200 engineers, technicians, and production staff. The company develops the entire tech stack, from the C-POD motor to the control system and carbon fiber hulls, in-house. Candela’s two wholly-owned factories in Stockholm, Sweden, produce the Candela C-8 and P-12 vessels. The company also has leisure boat resellers in 12 countries and wholly-owned sales offices in San Francisco, USA, and Cannes, France.
