Candela C-8 CC: World's first electric boat with centre console from Sweden
Jan-Ole Puls
· 05.04.2023
Centre console boats are widely used. In the USA alone, around 50,000 of this type are sold every year. The Candela C-8 Centre Console, manufactured in Sweden, is now set to electrify this segment. The Candela C-8 CC floats on computer-controlled wings over choppy waves and the wake of other boats. It is said to consume 80% less energy than conventional V-hulls, which should enable a range of 57 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 22 knots.
New Candela model virtually silent
According to the company, the Candela C-POD direct drive is virtually silent at a speed of 16 knots. When gliding over the waves, the C-8 CC is automatically stabilised by its electronic flight controller, which adjusts the wings up to one hundred times per second to ensure a smooth ride. A single 100 hp pod drive is sufficient for the C-8 CC to take off with eight people on board. The engine should not require maintenance for 3,000 hours. The wings can be retracted into the fuselage using a touchscreen. With the wings retracted, the Candela C-8 CC can be stowed on a trailer or deposited on the beach.
Flying gently over the sea, chatting to your passengers in a normal tone of voice and then arriving at your destination having only spent a few euros on electricity - that's a better boating experience."- Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO of Candela
In terms of space and comfort, the Candela C-8 CC offers an open bow with seating, a bar, sofas for up to six passengers around a table, an enclosed toilet, a sunbed, an extended bathing platform with shower, a stereo system with six speakers in the hull and features for anglers such as rod holders and an echo sounder. The C-8 CC is made of 100% carbon fibre and costs from 330,000 euros, including a 15.4-inch multifunctional display with plotter and free over-the-air updates for the user interface and flight controller Pre-orders should be possible from the beginning of April, with the first deliveries planned for summer 2024.
A new boat for fishing
According to Candela, hydrofoil technology offers anglers many advantages, such as the fact that it does not create a wake and therefore does not disturb other boaters or marine life. The speed of the silent Candela C-POD motor can be infinitely adjusted down to a minimum speed of 0.2 knots, making it ideal for sneaking up on the big catch.
About the manufacturer Candela
The Swedish team of engineers and technicians has been working on perfecting the hydrofoil system and software since 2014 in order to mass-produce the C-8 CC. Thanks to a technical partnership with electric car manufacturer Polestar, all C-8 models are powered by Polestar batteries. The Centre Console has the same technical platform as the day cruiser version of the Candela C-8, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January 2023 and is currently the best-selling electric boat worldwide with over 150 orders, according to the company.
Technical data
- Length:8.89 metres
- Width: 2.50 metres
- Weight1,700 kilogrammes
- Battery69 kWh battery from the electric car manufacturer Polestar
- ChargingType 2 AC charging, DC charging up to 135 kW (35 minutes from 10 to 80% state of charge)
- Reach57 nautical miles at 22 knots
- Maximum speed: 30 knots
- Further information for the Candela C-8 CC there are here.
