The Swedish-made Candela C-7 electric speedboat mimics airplanes to fly above the water, reducing friction and finally enabling long electric range at sea. The first C-7 has arrived in New York.
Making fast electric boats is inherently difficult. To overcome the water friction, conventional hulls need huge batteries to attain higher speeds. Even then, conventional electric boats have considerably shorter range than fossil fuel competitors.
Taking inspiration from fighter jets and drones, the Swedish-made Candela C-7 is the world’s first electric boat with the elusive combination of long range and high speed.
The 6-passenger daycruiser flies above the waves at a speed of 30 knots, using very little power from its 40 kWh battery.
The secret behind its efficiency is a decade-old invention, the hydrofoil, coupled to modern computers, software and sensors.
At speeds above 14 knots, two underwater wings provide enough lift to raise the hull above the water, reducing water friction by 80%.
This allows for a range of 50 nautical miles at 22 knots, which is 3 times longer than any other fast electric boat on the market.
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