Candela is a Swedish electric boat manufacturer pioneering hydrofoiling vessels that use 80% less energy than traditional boats. Founded in 2014 in Stockholm, the company combines advanced carbon-fiber engineering, in-house electric propulsion, and aerospace-grade software to deliver fast, long-range, zero-emission boats for both recreational and commercial use.

Here’s a breakdown of what Candela is about:

Overview

• Name: Candela

• Founded: 2014

• Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden

• Founders: Gustav Hasselskog

• Funding: Backed by investors including EQT Ventures, Ocean Zero, and Chris Anderson (TED).

• Mission: Build electric boats that are more efficient, faster, and better than gas-powered vessels. Proving that sustainable boating can outperform traditional marine technology.

Products

1. C-8(Flagship Model)

   • Released: 2022

   • Type: 28-ft electric hydrofoling day cruiser

   • Battery: ~44 kWh (Polestar battery pack integration)

   • Motor: Candela C-Pod direct-drive electric motor

   • Top Speed: ~34 mph

   • Run Time: Up to 57 nauitical miles at cruise of

   • Price: Around $395,000+

   • Features: Fully carbon fiber construction, autonomous foil stabilization system, zero-impact wake, extremely low energy consumption, ultra-quiet ride.

2. P-12 (Commercial Electric Hydrofoil Shuttle)

   • Released: First commercial deployment in 2024
     

   • Type: Electric ferry / water taxi
     

   • Capacity: Up to 30 passengers
     

   • Top Speed: ~30 knots
     

   • Range: ~50+ nautical miles at service speed
     

   • Use Cases: Public transport, commuter service, tourism, government/maritime agencies
     

   • Significance: Consumes 80% less energy than traditional ferries, dramatically cutting operating costs and emissions

3. C-7 (Early production model)

• • Released: 2019 (limited production)
    

  • Type: 23-ft hydrofoiling electric boat
    

  • Top Speed: ~30 knots
    

  • Range: ~50 nautical miles (foiling)
    

  • Notes: First boat to showcase Candela’s active-foil stabilization and high-efficiency drive system

Technology & Design

Hydrofoil System:
Candela’s active-stabilized hydrofoils lift the hull out of the water, cutting drag by ~80% and enabling long-range, high-speed electric cruising. The onboard flight controller makes up to 100 adjustments per second to keep the ride level and smooth.

C-Pod Motor:
Candela’s in-house electric drive system is a sealed, maintenance-free, direct-drive motor designed specifically for marine use. It operates underwater for efficiency, silence, and reliability.

Battery Integration:
Candela partners with automotive-grade battery suppliers (including Polestar) to provide optimized, high-density marine battery systems.

Hull Construction:
Lightweight carbon fiber reinforcement allows the hull to be optimized for foiling stability, low drag, and durability.

Software:
Candela boats run advanced onboard software for real-time diagnostics, throttle response, foil control, and remote updates.

Sustainability

Traditional boats burn fuel inefficiently, create wake that impacts shorelines, and release CO₂ and oil into waterways. Candela’s hydrofoils eliminate nearly all drag, allowing their electric boats to operate with a fraction of the energy.

Vision

Candela’s goal is to “make electric boats outperform fossil-fuel boats in every way.” Their strategy begins with premium recreational models and now expands to commercial fleets — including water taxis, government transport vessels, and eventually mass-market electric craft.

By proving that hydrofoiling electric boats can be faster, more efficient, more comfortable, and cheaper to operate, Candela aims to accelerate the global shift toward sustainable marine transportation.