Deliveries of the foiling Candela C-8 powered by Polestar will start in 2024.
Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela has unveiled the results of its first model emerging from the battery collaboration formed with electric car brand Polestar in August last year – the Candela C-8 ‘powered by Polestar’. Candela C-8 Polestar powered uses a similar battery and charging technology to the Polestar electric fastback.
The Candela C-8 will use the same 69kWh battery pack and DC charging technology as the Polestar 2 and has an expected range of up to 57Nm (65 US miles) on one charge at a cruising speed of 22kt (25mph). The range is said to be two to three times longer than what conventional electric speedboats can achieve at high speed and compares favourably with how internal combustion engine powerboats are used.
“This collaboration means that C-8 can travel to destinations previously only reachable by combustion engine boats. The Candela C-8 powered by Polestar marks a significant breakthrough for electrification at sea,” says Gustav Hasselskog, Candela CEO and founder.
The secret to the long range lies in Candela’s hydrofoil technology. Flying above the waves on computer-guided underwater wings that greatly reduce water friction, the C-8 is said to use 80% less energy than conventional boats at high speed. Its highly efficient pod motor, Candela C-POD, outputs 75kW/100hp for takeoff. Once foilborne, the C-8 flies efficiently, drawing only around 23 kW/30hp continuously from its Polestar battery pack – whereas a similar-sized conventional boat would use around 120kW/160hp.
The supply of battery and charging systems to a third party, a first for Polestar as an EV manufacturer, marks the start of a broader intended partnership between Polestar and Candela. “Sharing our know-how on batteries and vehicle engineering with Candela will help us reach our shared goal of transitioning to a future where all forms of transport are sustainable,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. All ordered Candela C-8s will be equipped with Polestar batteries. Deliveries will start in 2024.
