Debuting at the Singapore Yachting Festival, Candela C-8 is the world’s first electric hydrofoil boat. It combines exceptional performance with an unprecedented range, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable waterborne transport in Singapore. Media test flights will be offered in conjunction with the show.
The Swedish-built Candela C-8 has quickly become Europe’s top-selling electric boat, owing to its unique combination of high speed, long range, and superior passenger experience.
The true innovation lies beneath the surface: computer-regulated hydrofoils, wings akin to those on an aircraft, provide lift and elevate the vessel above the surface at higher speeds. This results in vastly reduced friction and an impressive 80% decrease in energy consumption over conventional vessels.
A Magic Carpet Ride
Consequently, the C-8 boasts the ability to cruise over 100 kilometers on a single charge at 22 knots—triple the range of previous, coventional fast electric boats, which are hampered by high energy consumption, as they plow through water.
When foiling, passengers enjoy a smooth sailing experience absent of slamming and seasickness. The onboard flight controller computer continuously adapts the hydrofoils to counteract waves, maintaining the boat’s smooth ‘flight’ over water, even through wakes or under windy conditions.
“It’s a magic carpet ride. There’s no slamming, and no noise; neither from hull against water or from an engine” says Mikael Mahlberg, Head of Communications at Candela.
At cruising speed, the C-8 produces a wake under 5 cm high, enabling it to glide past other watercraft and docks without disturbance or causing erosion.
In a collaboration with fellow Swedish electric electromobility company Polestar, the C-8 incorporates the same battery technology and DC fast charging as the Polestar 2 electric fastback, enabling a quick recharge from 10% to 80% in just 35 minutes.
With the simple touch of a button, the hydrofoils retract into the hull for ease of access to shallow waters or for trailering.
“Our aim with the C-8 was to create an uncompromised electric boat that could not only match fossil fuel-powered boats in terms of performance, but offer a better experience,” says Mahlberg.
Candela P-12 and C-8 flying side by side outside Candela’s HQ in Stockholm.
Transforming Singapore’s Waterways into Green Highways
Candela is set to introduce the C-8 to the APAC market during the Singapore Yachting Festival from April 25-28, offering media demonstrations both before and after the event.
Beyond leisure craft, Candela’s vision includes electrifying Singapore’s waterways with the P-12 Shuttle—a larger vessel designed for mass transit. The P-12, slated for public service in Stockholm later this year, allows operators to switch to sustainable ships without sacrificing performance, and thanks to its efficiency, cutting operational costs by half.
With no wake to contend with, the P-12 can navigate speedily, having been granted a speed limit exemption—a similar allowance in Singapore could transform its waterways into ‘green highways.’ In maritime cities like Singapore, ferries can alleviate road congestion and connect areas lacking robust public transport, especially waterfront and island regions.
“The P-12 would be an excellent solution for transporting individuals along the Singapore River during peak traffic or for commutes to outlying islands,” says Mahlberg.
