It is the first long-range electric boat that allows its passengers to travel through wave-sensitive city canals or over thin coral reefs silently, economically and without leaving marks.
candela.com
Today, the Swedish company Candela is rightfully considered the world leader in the production of electric hydrofoils. Her extensive experience led to the development of the unique P-8 Voyager. With hydrofoil technology, the Candela P-8 Voyager can fly over water at high speeds.
The Candela P-8 Voyager is the first long-range boat that allows its passengers to travel through wave-sensitive city canals or over thin coral reefs silently, economically and without leaving marks.
The Candela P-8 Voyager is based on the popular Candela C-8 electric boat (more on that in the next video). Here is a similar technology of hydrofoils, which can change the angle of inclination, thereby allowing speeds up to 30 knots (almost 56 km/h).
The boat is great for areas where it is especially difficult for boats to maneuver due to strong sway. Among these, by the way, is Venice, where they introduced the P-8 Voyager.
Conventional speedboats have large internal combustion engines and consume huge amounts of gasoline. When their hulls displace water, waves form that erode coastlines and damage coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems. Other problems are oil spills, emissions and sound pollution.
According to reports on the Great Barrier Reef, the noise of boat engines can even cause fish to die prematurely from stress.
While the adverse effects of powerboats are well known, there has been no sustainable alternative, that is, until now. With six passengers and two crew members, the Candela P-8 Voyager electric boat takes commercial water transportation to the next level.
Click on image to enlarge | candela.com
Click on image to enlarge | candela.com
The Candela P-8 Voyager is built in Sweden using revolutionary computer-controlled hydrofoils that reduce energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional powerboats. While gliding over the water, the vessel consumes only about 25 kW from its engine at a cruising speed of 20 knots (37 km/h).
Hydrofoils are the key to achieving long range and high speed electric boats. The P-8 Voyager electric boat has 2 to 3 times the range of any other electric speedboat. But the great benefit of this technology is the preservation of the fragile marine environment, since the movement of the ship is barely noticeable to underwater inhabitants.
“It is absurd to travel through beautiful and fragile ecosystems from Venice to the Bahamas on speedboats that burn 200 liters of gasoline per hour and create huge wake waves. With the new Candela P-8 Voyager electric boat, we wanted to create an uncompromising electric survey vessel. You have the performance, you can cruise for more than 2 hours, but there is virtually no negative environmental impact,” says Eric Eklund, Candela's chief executive for commercial vessels.
Click on image to enlarge | candela.com
The C-FOIL hydrofoil system for this boat was developed by over 50 Candela engineers with experience in the drone, aerospace and software industries. At 16 knots (almost 30 km/h), the onboard flight controller automatically changes the angle of attack of the wing to provide the lift needed for takeoff. C-FOIL wings create a wave no more than 5 centimeters.
For passengers traveling in the air-conditioned cabin of the P-8 Voyager, seasickness is a thing of the past. The active hydrofoils are adjusted 100 times per second by sensors and computers to ensure a smooth ride even in waves.
Click on image to enlarge | candela.com
Click on image to enlarge | candela.com
The ultra-compact C-POD engine was specially designed for the company's hydrofoils. Dual submersible motors directly drive the counter-rotating propellers. No transmission means no noise, no oil, no coolant – and no need for maintenance. Watch a short video of its construction below.
The Candela C-POD is the most efficient and durable outboard motor ever made. The manufacturer claims that the 50 kW C-POD motor can operate for 3000 hours without maintenance. This is very noticeable compared to internal combustion engines, which require maintenance every 100 hours. When the vessel is moored, the hydrofoils are retracted into the recess of the hull for easy storage and mooring, and also to prevent the growth of the marine environment on them.
The cruising range on a single charge is claimed to be up to 90 km at a speed of 20 knots (37 km/h). At a higher speed (22 knots), the cruising range will be 40 nautical miles (74 km). The boat is equipped with the most advanced boat battery ever made. A 69 kWh battery that combines the longest electric range with the fastest charge times. Charging time 40 minutes at 50 kW DC. For example, a full charge is enough to cruise the entire San Francisco Bay.
The production of the Candela P-8 Voyager was launched at the end of 2022. The cost is 450,000 euros.
Meanwhile, the company promises to release the Candela P-2023 passenger electric hydrofoil shuttle at the end of 12. It will enter Stockholm's public transport ferry fleet in 2024 as a pilot on one of its main routes. 400% more energy efficient than any other fast craft, the Candela P-12 consumes less energy per passenger-kilometer than a hybrid electric bus.
