Candela flying electric boat outsells combustion engine boats

La barca elettrica volante Candela vende più delle barche con motore a combustione

Just few weeks after introduction, flying electric boat Candela C8 has racked up more than 60 orders becaming the fastest-selling 28-foot boats on the market.

The electric Candela C-8 flies on computer-guided hydrofoils, reaching a top speed of 30 knots and a cruise speed of 24 knots, more attractive than it rivals fossil fuel powerboats in terms of performance while offering a whisper quiet ride and far better comfort.

The Swedish tech company Candela sell the C8 electric boat at 290 000-euro.

The new Candela C-8 uses a new version of the company’s patented hydrofoil system, C-8 flies above the waves with greater range than any other electric boat, powered by a new, silent pod thruster – the Candela C-POD.

Compared to the company’s first model, the smaller and hand-built C-7, the C-8 is made for rapid mass production which allows Candela to sell it for a price that is in line with conventional premium, fossil-fuel boats.

According to our data, the C-8 is the second or third fastest-selling powerboat in the 28-foot category in Scandinavia. Not just electric boats, but any type of power source. By year’s end, we expect to have a real impact on combustion engine boat sales in this size category – says Mikael Mahlberg, Candela’s Communications Manager.

First long-range electric boat – intended for mass production

La barca elettrica volante Candela vende più delle barche con motore a combustioneCandela’s first boat – the open Candela C-7 – was a sales success in its own right, but still a niche product. With 30 units delivered since production started in 2019, C-7 led premium electric boat sales in Europe on account of having longer range, higher cruise speed and smoother ride than other electric boats, thanks to the company’s hydrofoil tech that lifts the hull above the water friction and allows for long range on battery power only.

Candela C-8 is a far bigger and more capable boat that will offer new features not found in other boats. Flying on computer-controlled hydrofoils that lift the hull above the waves and reduce energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional powerboats, the C-8 can cruise for more than 2,5 hours at 20 knots. The hydrofoils also reduce slamming by 90% compared to conventional hull boats.

The C-8 will not just have longer range than other electric boats, it will offer a better ride experience than any boat out there. In 3-4-foot chop, you’ll be able to drive at 30 knots without feeling the waves. It will be like a magic carpet ride – says Mikael Mahlberg.

The real game-changer is Candela’s new boat motor – the Candela C-POD. By putting the electric motors in a torpedo-shaped pod under the water, Candela gets rid of mechanical gears and the associated noise. Shifting to electric direct-drive also reduces the number of moving parts, making the Candela C-POD more efficient, and virtually maintenance-free. With 3 000 hours between overhauls, the Candela C-POD will last a human lifetime without maintenance.

The C-8 will be the first truly silent, fast motorboat. There’s no slamming, no noise from the transmission. You’ll be able to cruise along at 24 knots, with only the sounds of wind whistling past the windscreen – says Mikael Mahlberg.

First fully integrated boat

La barca elettrica volante Candela vende più delle barche con motore a combustioneCandela’s 25-strong engineering team consists of experts in hydrodynamics, software, advanced computer simulations, mechatronics and electric propulsions systems, among other fields.

All software and most hardware – including the Candela C-POD motor and Flight controller that controls the foils in-flight – are designed in-house. Candela C-8 is a fully integrated boat, offering a seamless user experience. Gone are the myriads of physical buttons and knobs found in conventional boats. All features, from foil retraction to route planning, are managed by the 15,4-inch panoramic touch screen, which is running Candela’s intuitive User Interface. Boaters can also manage and monitor charging, route planning, heating etc from the Candela app.

Foilborne without compromise

La barca elettrica volante Candela vende più delle barche con motore a combustioneThanks to the hydrofoils – two underwater wings – that lift the hull above the water friction, Candela C-8 can run for considerably longer distances than other electric, fast boats. At a cruise speed of 22 knots, the C-8 will cover more than 50 nautical miles (92 km) on one charge of its 45-kWh battery.

When foilborne, the C-8’s on-board computer, called the Flight Controller, adjusts and twists the hydrofoil about 100 times per second to maintain the best flight height and to counteract waves and side wind. This allows for an artificially stable ride, free from the slamming and pitching common in conventional motor boats.

In very rough seas that prevent hydrofoiling, the C-8 can also be driven as a conventional boat, albeit with reduced range. By pushing a button on the touch screen, the hydrofoils will retract into the hull. This feature is also useful when entering a shallow harbor, or when storing the boat on a trailer. When driving in Shallow Mode, the C-POD motor and C-Foil are retracted and fully protected from both fouling and hitting submerged objects.

Deliveries begin in 2022.

The first Candela C-8 boat is being assembled in Candela’s Lidingö, Stockholm factory during December. First deliveries will start during spring 2022.

Source: Candela Speedboats

5 Comments

  1. Buongiorno Sig. Angelo Corsaro. Grazie dal suo intervento. Chiediamo l’informazione a Candela via email e appena avremo risposta la pubblicheremo. Cordiali saluti

    • Buongiorno Sig. Angelo Corsaro. Grazie dal suo intervento. Chiediamo l’informazione a Candela via email e appena avremo risposta la pubblicheremo. Cordiali saluti

    • Buongiorno Sig. Fausto Cominelli. Ho inoltrato la sua richiesta a Candela che gentilmente ha risposto così:
      “The candela boats follow the same regulations as normal boats. Nothing special needed. But if you need a boat license for the area you also need it to ride a candela”. (Le barche Candela seguono le stesse regole delle barche convenzionali. Non è necessario nulla di speciale. Ma se è necessaria una patente nautica nella zona in cui le si trova, c’è bisogno anche della patente nautica per la barca Candela)
      Grazie dalla sua richiesta. Cordiali saluti

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