Polestar, known for its minimalist design, partnered with Candela to create something unexpected—an electric boat. The Candela C-8 Polestar Edition blends two Scandinavian brands sharing a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Beneath its sleek exterior lies an electric powertrain, borrowed from Polestar’s electric vehicles, driving the hydrofoil technology making the C-8 unique.
But why is this partnership important? How does it push the boundaries of both marine and electric vehicle technology? This analysis delves into the synergy between Polestar and Candela, exploring how these two companies shape the future of electric mobility.
Polestar and Candela: A Seamless Partnership
At first glance, you might wonder what Polestar, an electric car manufacturer, has to do with boats. A closer look reveals both companies share a philosophy of combining innovation with sustainability. Polestar’s approach to car design focuses on reducing environmental impact while maintaining style. Similarly, Candela, founded in 2014, strives to revolutionize boating with electric hydrofoils.
The partnership between these companies goes beyond surface-level design. Candela’s C-8 is powered by Polestar’s 69kWh battery pack, which powers the Polestar 2. This battery enables the boat to achieve impressive range and performance, given the challenges electric boats face.
Challenges of Electric Boats: Why Hydrofoils Matter
Electric vehicles are heralded as the future of transportation. But electric boats present unique challenges. Water creates much more drag than roads, increasing energy consumption. Even smooth water creates resistance eating into the battery’s range.
Candela solved this issue by incorporating hydrofoils into its boats. Hydrofoils are underwater wings lifting the boat’s hull out of the water once it reaches a certain speed. In Candela’s case, the hydrofoils deploy at 16 knots (about 18 mph). Once the boat rises from the water, it uses 80% less energy than a traditional boat, making electric propulsion feasible.
This design gives the Candela C-8 an impressive top speed of 30 knots (35 mph) while maintaining a range of 57 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 22 knots. Traditional electric boats struggle to offer similar range without massive, heavy battery packs.
Efficiency through Design and Materials
Efficiency in design doesn’t end with hydrofoils. Candela’s boats are constructed from carbon fiber, a material known for its strength and light weight. The Polestar-powered C-8 weighs just 1,750 kg, a notable achievement for an 8.5-meter boat. The use of carbon fiber, though costly, helps reduce energy consumption by minimizing weight.
The powertrain is another key component in Candela’s efficiency strategy. The company developed a proprietary outboard motor system called the C-Pod. Unlike traditional outboard motors sit at the rear of the boat, the C-Pod is mounted at the bottom of the rear hydrofoil, fully submerged in water. This design reduces drag and increases efficiency.
The C-Pod contains two electric motors driving a pair of contra-rotating propellers. This configuration reduces energy loss and minimizes noise, enhancing the boating experience. The C-Pod’s torpedo-like shape helps streamline the boat’s underwater profile, boosting efficiency.
The Technology Behind Candela’s Electric Hydrofoils
Candela’s hydrofoils are designed to provide a smooth, stable ride. The company borrowed technology from aviation and automotive industries to create a system adjusting the boat’s position in real-time. Sensors around the boat feed data to the onboard computer, known as the Flight Controller, which adjusts the boat’s position up to 100 times per second.
This technology, called fly-by-wire, ensures the boat remains stable even when navigating rough waters. The Flight Controller automatically adjusts the hydrofoils to maintain optimal height and angle, giving passengers a smooth, comfortable ride. The precision of this system makes the C-8 feel more like flying than boating.
The integration of this technology into the Candela C-8 is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation. With Polestar’s battery and charging system powering it, the C-8 offers impressive range and speed while delivering a seamless user experience.
The Role of Polestar’s Electric Powertrain
Polestar’s 69kWh battery and 135kW DC fast-charging system power the Candela C-8, making it a formidable contender in the electric boat market. The same battery powering the Polestar 2 offers enough energy to sustain the C-8’s range and performance, while the fast-charging system ensures minimal downtime.
The inclusion of Polestar’s battery is a technological solution representing a deeper partnership between the two companies. Candela focuses on its hydrofoil technology while relying on Polestar’s expertise in electric powertrains. This collaboration allows both companies to push the boundaries of their respective industries, resulting in a product greater than the sum of its parts.
The Broader Implications of Polestar and Candela’s Partnership
The collaboration between Polestar and Candela is about pushing the boundaries of electric mobility across industries. Polestar’s involvement in this project is part of its broader mission to develop sustainable solutions for the future of transportation.
Polestar’s efforts extend beyond cars. The company’s Polestar 0 project aims to create a carbon-neutral car by 2030, and partnerships like the one with Candela play a role in achieving vision. By sharing technology and ideas across industries, Polestar and Candela set new standards for electric mobility.
Candela, leading the charge in electric boating, applies hydrofoil technology to commercial vessels, including the P-8 and P-12 ferries, designed to carry up to 30 passengers. These ferries could revolutionize water transport in cities by reducing energy consumption and eliminating wake, making them ideal for busy harbors.
What Does the Future Hold?
The future of electric boating looks promising as Candela continues to innovate with its hydrofoil technology. The Candela C-8 Polestar Edition is just the beginning. As the partnership between Polestar and Candela grows, expect to see even more advanced electric boats and potentially other electric vehicles benefiting from Candela’s innovations.
Polestar’s involvement in this project signals a shift in the company’s strategy. While Polestar remains focused on electric cars, its collaboration with Candela suggests the company is open to exploring other forms of electric transportation. This could lead to new developments in both land and water transport, as Polestar continues leveraging its expertise in electric powertrains.
For Candela, the future holds exciting possibilities. With hydrofoil technology proving to be both efficient and effective, the company is well-positioned to expand its offerings and continue leading the electric boat market. The company’s focus on sustainability and innovation aligns perfectly with Polestar’s values, making this partnership one to watch in the coming years.
Conclusion: A New Era of Electric Mobility
The Candela C-8 Polestar Edition represents a new era of electric mobility, where cars and boats share technology and ideas. This partnership between Polestar and Candela pushes the boundaries of electric transportation.
Polestar’s contribution to the Candela C-8 goes beyond providing a battery. It’s about creating a vision for the future of transportation spanning land and water. Candela’s hydrofoil technology, powered by Polestar’s electric powertrain, pushes the boundaries of electric vehicles.
As both companies continue to innovate, the line between land and water transportation will blur. The Candela C-8 Polestar Edition is just the beginning of this exciting journey. With a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, Polestar and Candela lead the way in electric mobility. Expect groundbreaking developments as these companies continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
