Candela’s electric speedboats are coming to the New Zealand market

Stockholm-based Candela has quickly gained worldwide fame for cracking the code to long-range electric craft. Flying on computer-stabilized hydrofoils, Candela’s C-8 day cruiser and C-7 sportsboat use a fraction of the energy required by conventional motorboats at 30 knots. Once foilborne, they can travel for 2 to 2.5 hours at 20 knots and cover 50 nautical miles. The active hydrofoil system allows the boat to glide over waves without causing discomfort to its passengers. In contrast, conventional boats would be slamming and throwing lots of spray around. The onboard computer automatically adjusts pitch, roll, and height to account for side winds, waves, and passenger movement.

In addition to record-setting range and performance, Candela’s boats are respectful of the marine environment. Since the hull flies above the water, a Candela boat uses 80% less energy than conventional boats. This efficiency translates into a longer range and an almost non-existent wake behind the boat. At 25 knots, a Candela craft creates a tiny 5 cm wave, causing minimal disturbance to shorelines and marine habitats.

The Candela C-Pod submerged pod drive is whisper quiet, even at cruising speeds of 20-25 knots.

These unique features have made the C-8 Europe’s best-selling electric craft. Since its launch last fall, the €300,000 ($520,000 NZD) all-carbon fiber day cruiser has received over 100 orders. Many hail the C-8 as the boat industry’s “iPhone moment,” often comparing it to Tesla cars.

Candela is expanding into the Southern Hemisphere by partnering with Next Generation Boats in Wanaka, New Zealand:

“New Zealand is at the forefront of sustainability in so many ways. One-third of the land area is protected in parks and reserves. Kiwi conservation workers are at the forefront of species management. Renewables account for much of the energy generation. So it feels great that Candela can contribute to the great work New Zealand is doing to keep its pristine waters clean”, says Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela.

“Electric boats are ideal for the New Zealand market. More than 80% of our electricity generation comes from renewable sources and there are many pristine lakes, harbours and estuaries to be enjoyed aboard an eco-friendly, low impact boat” says Kostya Marchenko, founder and CEO of Next Generation Boats.

“With 50 nautical miles of range you can easily do a lap around Waiheke island in the Hauraki Gulf and explore its many fine vineyards and beautiful sandy beaches. At 22 knots of cruising speed you will get there faster and in more comfort than on a ferry. In fact with such an amazing range you can easily cover most spots in the Bay of Islands, go from Queenstown to Glenorchy and back or travel the whole length of lake Wanaka, twice. With Candela boats range anxiety is a thing of the past” says Kostya Marchenko.

Although Candela’s craft are the world’s first electric hydrofoil boats, foiling is not new to New Zealand’s boaters. The AC72 and AC75 America’s Cup boats have flown here for years, while foiling watersports like kite, wing, and wind foiling rapidly grow in popularity.

“Electric vehicles are becoming a common sight on New Zealand roads, now it’s time to tackle the waterways and speed up decarbonisation of the marine sector” – says Kostya Marchenko.