Premium electric car maker Polestar and electric hydrofoil boat maker Candela have just revealed the next phase of their partnership – the Candela C-8 Polestar edition.
Designed to combine Polestar’s Scandinavian take on luxury EV design with Candela’s energy- efficient electric hydrofoiling boat technology, the new Candela C-8 Polestar edition unites the two Swedish companies’ efforts to accelerate the shift to more sustainable electric mobility.
“Candela’s hydrofoil technology is a paradigm shift for sustainable performance in the marine industry. Like the first time driving an electric car, you instantly feel that this is the future when the boat ‘takes off’ – and now with the special gold details that we so proudly exhibit on our cars,” says Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar.
Previously, the two Swedish electric mobility brands reached an agreement for Polestar to supply batteries and charging technology to power Candela’s electric hydrofoil boats.
The Candela C-8 Polestar edition brings Polestar’s expression of Scandinavian luxury to the marine industry. A new solid grey exterior color complimented by a lighter grey tone for interior areas gives the boat a sleek and uniform look which is strengthened by the use of the same marine-certified textile everywhere, from seats, cushions and sunbeds to wall and roof panels.
Design upgrades also bring expertise from the automotive industry with specially designed seat upholstery that offers outstanding comfort and enhances the experience of a smooth and silent ride in an electric hydrofoil boat. To emphasize the innovative technology and performance from Candela, the hydrofoils are painted in the iconic Swedish gold color that characterizes the performance details of Polestar’s cars.
“Excellent design has an inherent value, but it can also serve as a powerful driving force towards a sustainable future. At Candela, our primary focus is to create vessels that are more compelling in every respect. I am therefore very happy about the C-8 Polestar edition and our collaboration with the brilliant team at Polestar,” says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO & founder Candela.
Polestar and Candela already have a technical collaboration, as all Candela C- 8’s – including C-8 Polestar Edition – employ the 69 kWh battery and charging hardware from the standard-range Polestar 2 to realize a range of up to 57 nautical miles (65 US miles) on one charge at a cruising speed of 22 knots. This compares favourably with traditional powerboats and comes with a high-speed range of 2-3 times longer than conventional electric speedboats, thanks to the hydrofoils that reduce water friction.
The Candela C-8 uses Candela’s new, efficient 75 kW electric direct drive pod motor– the Candela C-POD – and ‘flies’ on computer-guided hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water at high speeds, reducing energy consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional motorboats. When foiling, the ride is silent and smooth, without damaging wakes, thanks to Candela’s computer-stabilized foil technology.
The Candela C-8 Polestar edition comes either as an open daycruiser, a T-top version or as a weather-protected hardtop version crafted from carbon fiber, with a retractable roof for sunny days. A spacious cockpit provides seating for up to eight people on three individual seats and an aft sofa. A sunbed provides space for two. The forward cabin sleeps up to two adults and two children.
The Candela C-8 Polestar edition is available online in the Polestar Additionals or Candela and is sold and delivered by Candela. Pricing starts from $450,000 (A$682,000)
This story was first published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
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