Soon, noisy, internal combustion engines (ICE) powered boats maybe a thing of the past as Candela, Swedish tech company makes a successful first flight on its electric foiling powerboat code-named Candela C-8.
In case you are wondering, it is called foiling powerboat because it uses computer-controlled hydrofoils that act as underwater wings to lift the boat above the waves and to ensure silky smooth ride. This in turn reduces the drag significantly where Candela claims that their boat is 80% more efficient than the regular fuel powered boats. Another advantage of this design is that it can travel at much higher speed and longer distance purely on battery power.
Candela does not see its invention as a mere zero emission replacement to conventional fuel powered boats. It aims to disrupt the water transport industry where it intends to offer a far superior experience in all sense. This is evident from this maiden flight where it reported that the Candela C-8 could lift-off and travel smoothly at 20 knots, completely noiseless.
As you may imagine, Candela C-8 has generated a strong interest from the public since its inception, where Candela reports that it has already received over 100 orders in Europe alone. Candela hopes to achieve production target of 400 boats a year by 2024.
While it may take a while for us in Asia to get our hands on these great innovations, the future of boating is definitely very exciting.
