Candela, the trailblazer in electric boating technology, has once again made history with its hydrofoil electric speedboats. The company's latest achievement was a record-breaking international voyage across the Baltic Sea. This feat showcased not just the capabilities of the Candela C-8, but also the potential for sustainable, long-distance travel by sea. Characterized by its cutting-edge design, the Candela C-8 uses computer-controlled hydrofoils, lifting the boat a meter above water, reducing the usual drag and allowing for a swift and efficient journey from Sweden to Finland and back. This journey marks an unprecedented electric crossing of the Baltic Sea by a vessel of its kind, presenting an evidence-based argument for the superiority of electric-powered travel over traditional fossil-fueled boats.
Equipped with a Polestar 69 kWh battery, the Candela C-8 not only completed the 150 nautical mile round trip efficiently but also demonstrated remarkable energy economy in comparison to conventional boats. The record-setting adventure saw the electric vessel departing from Stockholm and arriving at the Åland Islands' capital, Mariehamn, after a brief charging stop in Kapellskär. Throughout this endeavor, the Candela C-8 proved its worthiness by consuming only a fraction of the energy required by traditional motorboats and underscored the economic advantages of electric boating; the cost of charging was a meager estimate compared to the expenses of gasoline-powered counterparts, which amounted to 750€ for fuel.
This achievement not only lends credibility to the expanding field of electric maritime travel but also suggests a future in which eco-friendly boating may dominate. Partnering with Kempower, Candela was able to utilize existing charging infrastructures effectively, showcasing a viable roadmap for increasing electric boating accessibility. The journey further enriched the narrative of environmentally conscious engineering, while the serene experience of gliding above the choppy waters without the noise and jarring motions of traditional boats further highlighted the qualitative benefits of hydrofoil technology in maritime domains.
📷: CANDELA
