Candela C-8, the Tesla of electric boats?

Like Elon Musk’s cars, the hydrofoil boat Candela C-8 aims to replace thermal competitors with cutting-edge technology.

In all transportation, energy transition will be compulsory to preserve our climate, or at least prevent overheating the atmosphere. We often talk about cars, electric or hydrogen trucks, trains, bicycles, 2-wheels, scooters, but less about boats.

Although, the new Energy Observer 2 vessel caught media attention for a few minutes, between two hot political news. But for boat owners (or rentals), the revolution resembles more an engineering marvel from Scandinavia.

Candela, the electric hydrofoil killer of combustion engines?

The Elon Musk of boats is Swedish, named Gustav Hasselskog. Founder and CEO of Candela, he led the new C-8 project, which took 16 months of development, replacing the previous and first C-7 boat revealed in 2019. With this model, the company’s mission is simple: “to shake up the gasoline-powered pleasure boat industry”.

To reduce its environmental impact, the Candela C-8 is an electric boat, like its predecessor. It is a hydrofoil (“hydrofoil” in English), soaring above the water surface thanks to underwater fins. This setup has the advantage of lowering water resistance, the main obstacle for boats.

Beyond electricity consumption, onboard comfort for 8 people is increased, as the hull no longer hits the waves. Also, nearby vessels or people do not suffer from wakes or the deafening noise of combustion engines. Clearly, its electric motor “C-POD” with a small propeller, torque of 50 Nm, and power of 50 kW (67 hp), is situated underwater.

Three times more autonomy

The first official prototype, “P-01,” of the Candela C-8, launched in the bay of Lidingö near Stockholm (Sweden). Lighter and more resistant at 1,650 kg, it features a carbon fiber structure, not fiberglass.

It sails at 16 knots (30 km/h), above which it can hover over the water. By lowering its underwater foil and propeller, it reaches 20 knots (37 km/h). According to the CEO, it would consume 80% less energy than other electric models on the market, “depleting the largest lithium-ion batteries after only 30-45 minutes”.

Its battery is 44 kWh — only, compared to over 100 kWh — which would give a usage time three times longer, or 2h30. The Candela C-8 thus claims an autonomy of 50 nautical miles, or 92.6 km per charge, at maximum speed. Charging takes about 13 hours on standard outlet and 2h30 on a 32 A (22 kW) three-phase plug.

Of course, all information is displayed on a large 15.4-inch touchscreen. An app also allows “navigation to the fridge”, controlling the sound system, or setting the ambiance lights onboard. Like any Tesla, the Candela receives remote updates.

First deliveries of the Candela C-8 in 2023

Revealed in fall 2021, the Candela C-8 already accepts orders, which will only be deliverable from summer 2023. The first 100 customers already reserved their unit, potentially making it the top electric boat. It follows in the footsteps of the C-7, “surpassing most of the high-end 28-foot ships”. Production is in Sweden, home to future Volvo electric batteries or the RGNT motorcycle.

The price is €290,000 excluding taxes, with Candela aiming for 400 units per year. The company has already envisioned two versions: the Daycruiser (with windshield) and the Hardtop (with retractable roof), available in two colors and two interiors.

Also read: Elroy Air Chaparral C1: an autonomous hybrid VTOL for delivery