Polestar has announced it has signed a multi-year agreement to supply Candela with batteries and charging systems for their hydrofoil electric boats. The partnership between the two Swedish companies is one of the first between the automotive and marine industries.
Candela currently builds the C-8 electric boat, which has a range of 50 nautical miles at 22 knots and a top speed of 30 knots. Showing the infancy of the electric marine industry, just 150 units have been sold to date, but through the partnership with Polestar, Candela hopes to propel the electric boating industry forward and increase electric boat adoption.
“Polestar is a dream partner for us. While electrification of cars has come a long way in the last few years, the marine sector has fallen behind. Marrying our efficient hydrofoil technology to high-capacity batteries from Polestar means we can speed up the mass market adoption of electric boats together,” said Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of Candela.
Not only are Candela’s boats electric with zero emissions, they also fly above the water using computer-guided hydrofoils that lifts the hull out of the water.
This combination results in several benefits over traditional boats in a quieter and smoother cruising experience for passengers, zero wake, as well as greater efficiency as the Candela electric boat uses 80% less energy at high speeds due to less friction from the water.
“I am fascinated by way Candela’s boats glide elegantly and efficient through, or better, over the water – amazing proof of the great aesthetics and experiences modern, sustainable technology can create. That Polestar will be part of future projects with Candela by supplying an essential part for the innovative propulsion of their boats, is awesome. As a battery supplier to Candela, we can help drive the transition to cleaner oceans and lakes, and electrify waterborne transport.” said Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.
The partnership marks the first supply deal for Polestar of batteries and charging systems to a third party. As part of the deal both companies have committed to exploring further opportunities for future collaboration.
Candela was founded in 2014 and introduced its first production model in 2019 in the form of the C-7, but was limited to just 32 units.
The company plans to launch two new boats this year, the P-8 Voyager taxi boat and the P-12 electric ferry.
