The all-electric hydrofoil boat Candela C-8 successfully crossed the Mediterranean from Sotogrande in Spain to Ceuta, a Spanish enclave on the North African coast. This crossing is the first electric boat connection between the two continents of Europe and Africa.
The crossing with the Candela C-8
The Candela C-8 completed the approximately 44-kilometre route in just over an hour. The e-boat only consumed 40 kWh of electricity, which corresponds to a cost of around 8 euros. By comparison, a conventional boat of a comparable size would have needed fuel worth around 90 euros to cover the same distance.
Hydrofoil technology
The key to the Candela C-8's efficiency lies in its innovative hydrofoil technology. At a certain speed, the boat lifts itself out of the water and glides on computer-controlled hydrofoils. This drastically reduces the water resistance of the hull, resulting in significantly lower energy consumption.
Hydrofoil technology not only offers efficiency benefits, but also significantly increases travelling comfort. This was particularly evident in the Strait of Gibraltar, which is known for its strong waves. While the conventional escort boat rocked heavily, the e-boat glided over the waves almost unaffected. The computer-controlled stabilisation system adjusts the hydrofoils to the water conditions up to 100 times per second, enabling a remarkably smooth ride.
Future vision of electric ferry transport
Candela sees this crossing as more than just a technological triumph. The company plans to use the larger Candela P-12 to establish regular ferry connections between coastal cities and even between continents in the future. This electric hydrofoil ferry, which is already in operation in the Liner service in Stockholm which is currently being trialled, could carry up to 30 passengers and halve journey times compared to conventional ships.
Technical data
| Length | 8,5 m |
| Width | 2,5 m |
| Drive | Electric motor with hydrofoil system |
| Battery | 69 kWh |
| Reach | 57 nautical miles at 22 knots |
| Max. Maximum speed | approx. 30 knots |
| Charge | from 10% to 80% in approx. 30 minutes |
| Energy consumption | approx. 0.9 kWh/sm |
| Charging infrastructure | Compatible with CCS fast chargers |
| passenger capacity: | 6 persons |
About Candela
Candela was founded in Sweden and specialises in the development of electric hydrofoil boats. The company has already set several records, including a 24-hour journey of 780 km in 2023 and the First electric crossing of the Baltic Sea With innovative products such as the C-8 and the larger P-12 ferry, Candela is striving to revolutionise maritime mobility and make it more environmentally friendly.
