Press release -
FlyTahoe Electric Flying Ferry Highlighted in Regional Transportation Plan
FlyTahoe’s planned cross-lake electric flying ferry—the Candela P-12—has been highlighted as a key environmental improvement project in the Lake Tahoe Regional Transportation Plan. The proposed project offers a potential solution to cut traffic, lower emissions, and protect the lake.
With over 15 million visitors each year, Lake Tahoe faces mounting traffic congestion—especially during peak seasons and winter road closures. At the same time, emissions and road sediment from such traffic threaten the lake’s world-renowned clarity, adding environmental pressure to the region’s mobility challenges.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)—a unique bi-state (CA & NV) agency with federal regulatory authority granted by Congress—adopted the Connections 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) in July, which highlights FlyTahoe’s sustainable water transit network with the centerpiece P-12 cross-lake ferry as a key concept for waterborne transit in the Tahoe Region. Previously listed by the TRPA as an Environmental Improvement Project (EIP), FlyTahoe’s inclusion in both the EIP and RTP reflects the project’s potential to achieve regional environmental goals, including reducing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), road sediment, and emissions—while preserving lake clarity and better connecting shoreline communities.
The RTP was developed over four years with input from more than 10,000 residents, local governments, tribal nations, and agencies. Inclusion in this plan not only signals strong regional support in principle, but also introduces the FlyTahoe concept into the federal transportation planning framework, helping position the project for future eligibility under the Federal Transportation Improvement Program (FTIP) and other potential public funding sources, according to Ryan Meinzer, Founder and CEO of FlyTahoe.
“We’re deeply humbled to be highlighted by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency in its Regional Transportation Plan,” said Meinzer. “TRPA’s leadership reflects our shared vision: to preserve the beauty of Lake Tahoe while better connecting its shoreline communities.”
FlyTahoe is honored to carry forward the cross-lake passenger ferry vision originally advanced by the Tahoe Transportation District (TTD) and to support private sector investment in Lake Tahoe’s environmental protection. Now waterborne transit is being reimagined through next-generation electric hydrofoil technology that is fast, clean, efficient and scalable, according to Meinzer.
The Candela P-12, already successfully operating in Stockholm, has demonstrated the ability to cut commute times, increase ridership, and outperform diesel ferries in both cost and passenger experience—all while handling 3+ foot chop with ease. And because it flies above water on electric hydrofoils, the vessel generates no wake, no shoreline erosion, and no noise—just silent, zero-emission transit that eases road congestion and will support economic resiliency, emergency response, and evacuation capacity basin-wide.
Subject to regulatory approval, FlyTahoe aims to balance accessibility, inclusivity, and equity for both locals and visitors—while supporting the RTP’s goals, including environmental protection, multimodal mobility, safety, system performance, economic prosperity, and infrastructure resiliency. The Candela P-12 is set to serve as FlyTahoe’s flagship vessel as they work to build a more connected, resilient Lake Tahoe.
Previous Coverage
- 11/21/2024 – Press Release: First Flying Electric Ferry in the U.S. is Coming to Lake Tahoe
- 07/04/2025 – New York Times: Could the Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Change the Way We Commute?
- 08/04/2025 – Tahoe Daily Tribune: FlyTahoe and Candela showcase technology used in upcoming electric flying ferry
About FlyTahoe
Located in both San Francisco and Tahoe Vista, California, FlyTahoe will elevate sustainable mobility with America’s first electric flying ferry.
About Candela
Candela is a Swedish tech company with a mission to accelerate the shift to fossil fuel-free waterways. Its pioneering hydrofoiling technology drastically reduces energy consumption of vessels, enabling Candelas to achieve the elusive combination of long range and high speed on battery power.
Since launching its first leisure model, the Candela C-7, in 2019, Candela has manufactured over 100 vessels to clients around the world, leading electric boat sales in the U.S. In 2024, Candela introduced the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, the Candela P-12, which has been sold to customers in Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Berlin, and now, the U.S.
Candela employs over 200 engineers and staff across offices in Stockholm, Sweden; San Francisco, U.S.; and Bangkok, Thailand. The current factory is located in Stockholm, with the U.S. factory underway.
Candela P-12 Specifications
Length: 11.99 meters/39.24 feet
Beam: 4.5 meters/14.76 feet
Weight: 10 tonnes
Capacity: 30 passengers (seated) + 1 crew
Propulsion: 2 x Candela C-POD, 320 kW peak power in total
Charging: Up to 200 kW DC
Service Speed: 25 knots
Range: 40 nautical miles at 25 knots service speed
For more information, please contact:
Ryan Meinzer, Founder & CEO, FlyTahoe: ryan@flytahoe.com
Mikael Mahlberg, Head of Communications, Candela: mikael.mahlberg@candela.com
Topics
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.
