The Candela C-8 foiling electric boat gets Polestar batteries for longer range

Last year, luxury electric car brand Polestar agreed supply batteries for foiling the e-boat manufacturer Candela. Now the first fruit of that deal has been unveiled, a new version of the C-8 leisure boat, now capable of a range of 57 nautical miles per charge.

The C-8 “powered by Polestar” edition will replace Candela’s current one 44 kWh production model when it goes into production next spring (northern hemisphere).

The foiling electric boat retains much of the current model, including the computer-controlled retractable C-Foil wings and pod motor that allow it to “fly” above the water’s surface for a relatively quiet, efficient, and smooth ride — without much leave a wake.

However, the internal layout has been redesigned to incorporate the same 69kWh battery module and DC fast charging technology as the North Star 2 five-door fastback EV.

Cruising at 22 knots (25 mph), the revised C-8 has an expected range of up to 57 nautical miles (65 miles/105 km) – plus an additional 3 nautical miles of reserve to hobble home at 4 knots if necessary – which it is according to Candela, makes it the series electric boat with the greatest range.

“This collaboration means the C-8 can achieve goals previously only achievable with internal combustion engine boats,” said the company’s CEO and founder, Gustav Hasselskog. “The Candela C-8 powered by Polestar marks a significant breakthrough in electrification at sea.”

Candela cites usage data from European boat-sharing service Apagi, which shows that about 95% of its members’ day trips are under 50 nautical miles, which should be “well in the Candela C-8’s range.”

Elsewhere, the new 8.5m (28ft) C-8 benefits from lightweight carbon fiber construction, the interior is designed to accommodate a small family, a tinted hatch at the top lets light through and the foiling boat can its optional with a premium sound system with six speakers and a subwoofer.

It is available in hardtop, day cruiser or T-top configurations. The C-Pod motor is said to have an output of 75 kW (100 hp) when taking off and 23 kW (30 hp) when foiling. And the maximum speed is given as 27 knots.

Order books for the C-8 powered by Polestar are open now, with the price remaining unchanged at $395,000. The video below has more.

Source: candela