Press release -
Experience the new electric hydrofoil technology that can help keep Lake Tahoe pristine
Lake Tahoe is poised to welcome America's first electric flying ferry, providing a faster, cleaner transit alternative to the daily traffic congestion around the lake. From July 31 to August 6, Candela, the pioneers behind the P-12 electric flying ferries, in collaboration with FlyTahoe, will showcase the revolutionary Candela C-8 leisure craft, offering an exciting glimpse into the envisioned future of transportation technology on the lake.
Subject to regulatory approval, FlyTahoe’s 30-passenger Candela P-12 aims to halve travel times between North and South Tahoe, significantly reducing traffic, automobile dependency, emissions, and road sediment—key factors in preserving Tahoe’s famed clarity and beauty while better linking Tahoe's communities.
Like the P-12, the zero-emission C-8—being showcased July 31 to August 6 2025—uses advanced computer-guided hydrofoils to "fly" quietly above the waves, eliminating noise, cutting energy consumption by up to 80%, and ensuring a comfortable, seasickness-free experience. This performance is backed by the C-8’s historic intercontinental electric boat crossing and its world record for the most electric nautical miles covered in 24 hours—proving the reliability and range of Candela’s groundbreaking technology.
The C-8’s foil technology can also help preserve Tahoe’s blue waters. As the Candela flies above the surface, it generates a wake less than 3 inches – eliminating the danger of shoreline erosion. It’s silent electric C-POD motor contains not a single drop of oil, and as it runs on electricity, it doesn’t risk leaking fuel or emitting exhaust—meaning zero pollution enters Lake Tahoe’s pristine waters.
In short, silent, electric, wake-free – and a better experience, as you can’t get seasick.
“Electric hydrofoiling is a game-changer for, and you have to experience it firsthand to truly understand it”, says Candela’s Sofia Lerm, who will be on site to demonstrate the technology set to transform transport on Lake Tahoe.
From July 31st 2025 to August 6, Candela will do private demonstrations aboard the Candela C-8 leisure craft. Quiet, efficient, and remarkably stable, the C-8 offers a preview of what sustainable transit could soon look and feel like on FlyTahoe’s P-12—silent and seamlessly integrated with Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty.
Exclusive Media Opportunity:
Join us July 31st 2025 on our dedicated media day for an exclusive opportunity to experience the cutting-edge electric hydrofoil technology rarely available to the American public that is reshaping water transit worldwide. Discover the innovation connecting Stockholm’s maritime excellence with Lake Tahoe’s future of sustainable mobility.
Media Exclusive Day: July 31, 2025
Additional Media Availability: August 1–3 and 5–6, 2025
Location: Specific marina details provided upon RSVP
For media RSVPs, please contact both:
Mikael Mahlberg: mikael.mahlberg@candela.com
Ryan Meinzer: ryan@flytahoe.com
Learn more at flytahoe.com/candela and candela.com
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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 2022 by the high-volume market Candela C-8, which was 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 launched its first commercial vessel, the Candela P-12 Shuttle ferry. It is the fastest and longest-range electric ship ever built, with a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 40 nautical miles at 25 knots. It is also the most energy-efficient fast ship ever made in its size class. Substantial operational cost savings are expected. The first unit enters service in Stockholm's public transport system in 2024.
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.
