As people search for more efficient vehicles that are both inexpensive to operate and less harmful to the environment, electric cars and electric boats are growing in popularity.
Stockholm-based Candela, the world leader in electric hydrofoil boats, has unveiled its newest electric watercraft – the Candela P-8 Voyager. Designed to replace traditional water taxis and commercial passenger jet skis, the P-8 Voyager is preparing to usher in a brave new world for maritime transportation.
Known for its electric hydrofoil boats, Candela has launched several models so far, including the C-7 and C-8. While the C-7 was a largely hand-built model with a top speed of 30 knots and a range of 50 nautical miles at 22 knots on a single charge, the C-8 is the mass production model which is longer than its predecessor and has a higher range of over 50 nautical miles and can hit an impressive speed of 30 knots at 20 knots on a single charge.
The new P-8 Voyager is based on the same foundation as Candela’s hot-selling C-8 electric speedboat, which recently completed its first flight this February. It uses a hydrofoil system that allows it to hover over the surface of the water.
The P-8 Voyager measures 8.6-meter long by 2.5-meter wide, has a carbon fiber hull, and is powered by a 50-kW Candela C-POD electric motor. The motor allows it to cruise at the speed of 20 knots (37 km/h) and reach a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h). The onboard flight controller automatically changes the foil’s angle of attack when the boat reaches 16 knots (30 km/h), allowing it to lift off and fly above the waves to provide a smooth ride for passengers.
One charge of the P-8 Voyager’s lithium battery pack should be good for a range of 50 nautical miles (93 km) at a speed of 20 knots (37 km/h). Not only does the boat provide a smooth ride in calm waters, but it is also said to stay smooth in choppy waters. The system can handle four to five feet chop, and boat wakes, thanks to its high ride height and quick adjustments to roll, pitch, and height that are made 100 times per second.
The P-8 Voyager cabin provides a peaceful environment for six passengers, even in rough conditions and at high speeds. Candela says the C-POD drive unit can run for 3000 hours without service – this highly reduced maintenance schedule is ideal for operators in remote locations where technicians are hard to come by. In addition, the electric boat is also fully connected and able to take advantage of over-the-air (OTA) updates.
The long-range, all-electric craft travels silently above the surface with no emissions, no sound pollution, or disturbance of marine life. The P-8 Voyager is now available for pre-order, with the price starting at €450,000 (about $483,500).
