With the pressing need to transition from fossil fuel-based transportation to more sustainable alternatives, Candela has set out to electrify the marine sector. The company, founded in 2014 by Gustav Hasselskog in Sweden, is determined to find ways to make electric boats with both range and speed. He gathered a team of experts in dynamic modeling, hardware design, hydrodynamics, control theory, machine learning, image and signal processing, structural engineering, and electrical machines to make this goal a reality.
After years of research and development, the company launched its first full-scale prototype in 2016. It was an electric hydrofoil boat that exceeded expectations with its performance, reaching more than 50 nautical miles per charge at a speed of 22 knots. In 2019, serial production of the world’s first electric hydrofoil boat started, and by 2020, Candela C-7 became the best-selling electric boat in Europe.
Candela’s innovative hydrofoil technology is what sets it apart from its competitors. It enables the boats to fly on top of the water, reducing drag and improving efficiency. This makes for a smooth, stable, and safe ride, and it also means that the boats do not create any wake, making them ideal for exploring fragile ecosystems. Additionally, electric boats are 95% cheaper to operate and are completely silent, making them an attractive option for boat enthusiasts.
In the future, Candela aims to scale production and drive production costs down to the level of conventional fossil fuel boats. The company has set a goal to make 400 boats a year by 2023, and it plans to launch new models and venture into public transportation. The P-30 ferry for the city of Stockholm will be a game-changer for electric waterborne transportation, thanks to its long range, high speed, lack of wake, and low costs.
Candela is leading the way in the marine transportation revolution. Its innovative hydrofoil technology and commitment to making the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is commendable. The company’s products are not only good for the planet, but they are also fun to drive, making them a viable option for boat enthusiasts. With Candela at the forefront of this transition, we can expect a cleaner, more sustainable future for European and global waterways.
