Press release -
This flying electric boat will transform Singapore's waterways
Debuting at the Singapore Yachting Festival, Candela C-8 is the world's first electric hydrofoil boat. It combines exceptional performance with an unprecedented range, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable waterborne transport in Singapore. Media test flights will be offered in conjunction with the show.
The Swedish-built Candela C-8 has quickly become Europe's top-selling electric boat, owing to its unique combination of high speed, long range, and superior passenger experience.
The true innovation lies beneath the surface: computer-regulated hydrofoils, wings akin to those on an aircraft, provide lift and elevate the vessel above the surface at higher speeds. This results in vastly reduced friction and an impressive 80% decrease in energy consumption over conventional vessels.
A Magic Carpet Ride
Consequently, the C-8 boasts the ability to cruise over 100 kilometers on a single charge at 22 knots—triple the range of previous, coventional fast electric boats, which are hampered by high energy consumption, as they plow through water.
When foiling, passengers enjoy a smooth sailing experience absent of slamming and seasickness. The onboard flight controller computer continuously adapts the hydrofoils to counteract waves, maintaining the boat's smooth 'flight' over water, even through wakes or under windy conditions.
"It's a magic carpet ride. There’s no slamming, and no noise; neither from hull against water or from an engine" says Mikael Mahlberg, Head of Communications at Candela.
At cruising speed, the C-8 produces a wake under 5 cm high, enabling it to glide past other watercraft and docks without disturbance or causing erosion.
In a collaboration with fellow Swedish electric electromobility company Polestar, the C-8 incorporates the same battery technology and DC fast charging as the Polestar 2 electric fastback, enabling a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes.
With the simple touch of a button, the hydrofoils retract into the hull for ease of access to shallow waters or for trailering.
"Our aim with the C-8 was to create an uncompromised electric boat that could not only match fossil fuel-powered boats in terms of performance, but offer a better experience," says Mahlberg.
Transforming Singapore's Waterways into Green Highways
Candela is set to introduce the C-8 to the APAC market during the Singapore Yachting Festival from April 25-28, offering media demonstrations both before and after the event.
Beyond leisure craft, Candela's vision includes electrifying Singapore’s waterways with the P-12 Shuttle—a larger vessel designed for mass transit. The P-12, slated for public service in Stockholm later this year, allows operators to switch to sustainable ships without sacrificing performance, and thanks to its efficiency, cutting operational costs by half.
With no wake to contend with, the P-12 can navigate speedily, having been granted a speed limit exemption—a similar allowance in Singapore could transform its waterways into 'green highways.' In maritime cities like Singapore, ferries can alleviate road congestion and connect areas lacking robust public transport, especially waterfront and island regions.
"The P-12 would be an excellent solution for transporting individuals along the Singapore River during peak traffic or for commutes to outlying islands," says Mahlberg.
Candela P-12 and C-8 flying side by side outside Candela's HQ in Stockholm.
For media inquiries or to schedule a test ride, please contact Mikael Mahlberg at Mikael.mahlberg@candela.com.
Check out our Youtube to see the C-8 in action.
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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. 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 late 2023, Candela 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 service speed of 25 knots and a range of up to 50 nautical miles. It is also the most energy-efficient fast ship ever made in its size class. Substantial operational cost savings are expected.
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 and Bangkok.
