Press release -
Candela reveals world's longest-range electric boat with Polestar batteries and DC charging
With up to 57 nm (65 US miles) of expected range and DC charging, the foiling Candela C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’ is designed to upend the hegemony of fossil fuel boats.
Today, the electric boatmaker Candela unveiled the first product emerging from the battery collaboration with premium electric car brand Polestar announced in August 2022: Candela C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’, the longest-range electric boat to date.
The Candela C-8 will use the same 69 kWh battery pack and DC charging technology as the Polestar 2 and has an expected range of up to 57 nautical miles (65 US miles) on one charge at a cruising speed of 22 knots (25 mph). The range is two to three times longer than what conventional electric speedboats can achieve at high speed and compares favorably with how internal combustion engine powerboats are used.
"This collaboration means that C-8 can travel to destinations previously only reachable by combustion engine boats. The Candela C-8 powered by Polestar marks a significant breakthrough for electrification at sea", says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of boat maker Candela.
Usage data from Europe’s premier boat-sharing service Agapi, with fleets in several locations in Europe, from Helsinki to Mallorca, show that 95% of their members’ day excursions are less than 50 nautical miles, or well within the range of Candela C-8.
The secret to the long range lies in Candela’s hydrofoil technology. Flying above the waves on computer-guided underwater wings that greatly reduce water friction, the C-8 uses 80% less energy than conventional boats at high speed. Its highly efficient pod motor, Candela C-POD, outputs 75 kW/100hp for takeoff. Once foilborne, the C-8 flies efficiently, drawing only around 23 kW/30hp continuously from its Polestar battery pack – whereas a similar-sized conventional boat would use around 120 kW/160hp.
The Polestar collaboration also enables DC charging in Candela C-8, which opens up new routes and future-proofs the boat as DC charging networks are rolled out along coastlines.
“With access to DC fast chargers, which now start to pop up in several places around the globe, you can cover totally new routes with Candela C-8. You can go from Sweden to Finland in one day, or along the entire French Riviera in a few hours. For a few euros/dollars’ worth of electricity”, says Gustav Hasselskog.
The supply of battery and charging systems to a third party, a first for Polestar as an EV manufacturer, marks the start of a broader intended partnership between Polestar and Candela.
“Sharing our know-how on batteries and vehicle engineering with Candela will help us reach our shared goal of transitioning to a future where all forms of transport are sustainable,” says Thomas Ingenlath, CEO Polestar.
Starting today, all ordered Candela C-8s will be equipped with Polestar batteries. Deliveries will start in 2024.
Candela C-8 Polestar Power is available for order at candela.com.
Interested in a media test flight of Candela C-8?
Candela C-8 is available for test drives in San Francisco and in Stockholm. Contact Mikael.mahlberg@candela.com or call +46765376678 to experience the longest-range electric boat to date.
Candela C-8 will be displayed at Boot Düsseldorf, Jan 21-29.
Specifications – Candela C-8, Polestar Power
8.5 meters (28 feet)
2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
1700 kg (3850 lbs)
8 passengers
69 kWh battery (Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor)
27 knots (31 mph) sustained top speed
Expected range 57 nautical miles (65 US miles) at 22 knots
Polestar DC charging, 11 kW 3-phase AC charging
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Candela's mission is to speed up the transition to fossil fuel-free lakes and oceans.
Zero emissions, zero noise, zero seasickness, zero maintenance, zero gas and oil, and zero wake, but 100% fun. Candela was founded in 2014 by CEO Gustav Hasselskog, employs 180+ persons, and has offices in Stockholm, San Francisco, and Cannes. Production takes place in Stockholm.
Candela’s boats are up to 95% more energy efficient than conventional ICE boats, and offer passengers a smoother, quieter experience on the water because they fly above it instead of crashing through the waves. Propulsion comes from Candela’s compact C-POD electric motors, which stay fully submerged while running, further eliminating noise and vibrations onboard, plus they’re designed to run for a lifetime without ever requiring maintenance.
Candela is the world's first maker of electric hydrofoiling boats and ships.
