CANDELA'S C-8: THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC BOATS?
The Candela C-8 is a Swedish-built electric hydrofoil boat that has redefined what a leisure vessel can be. At 8.5 metres long and weighing 1,700 kg, the C-8 lifts entirely above the water on retractable hydrofoils, cutting energy consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional planing hulls and delivering a range of up to 57 nautical miles on a single charge at cruising speed. It is the most range-capable electric leisure boat on the market today.
How Hydrofoil Technology Changes Electric Boating
Conventional electric boats are limited by the drag created when a hull moves through water. Candela solved this by equipping the C-8 with a hydrofoil system that lifts the hull clear of the surface once the boat accelerates past a threshold speed. Once foiling, the C-Pod motor, a twin-propeller unit designed specifically for this system, draws only around 23 kW continuously, compared to the 75 kW required for take-off. The result is a boat that travels further, more quietly, and with significantly less wake than any comparable vessel.
Specifications: C-8 Key Numbers
The C-8 is powered by a 69 kWh battery pack, the same unit found in the Polestar 2 electric car. It carries up to eight passengers and offers a cruising speed of 22 to 24 knots with a top speed of 30 knots. Fast DC charging brings the battery from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. A flight controller system monitors position, speed, and acceleration in real time, automatically adjusting the hydrofoil angle to maintain stability and passenger comfort even in choppy conditions. Candela claims the reduced motion can prevent seasickness entirely on moderate swell.
Three Variants: Daycruiser, Hardtop, and T-Top
The C-8 is offered in three body configurations: the open Daycruiser, the enclosed Hardtop, and the T-Top for those seeking shade without a full cabin. All three versions share the same hydrofoil drivetrain and battery system, with only the topside architecture differing. Candela invested over 10,000 hours in simulation, design iteration, and sea trials before the C-8 reached production. A companion mobile app provides battery monitoring, range estimation, and system diagnostics. For a detailed technical breakdown, see the official spec sheet at Candela's website and the independent test by Motor Boat and Yachting.
The Electric Boat Revolution Is Here
The Candela C-8 is not a concept or a prototype. It is in production and delivering to owners worldwide. For those looking to explore the leading edge of electric watercraft, TheArsenale offers a curated selection including the Q2S Electric Hydrofoil Boat and the full TheArsenale Boat Collection. The future of zero-emission boating is already afloat.
Photo: Candela
