Public transport has become much more attractive and with more options. Now the Swedish manufacturer of premium electric boats, Candela has just introduced the new Candela P-12, an electric hydrofoil water taxi.
Designed to replace traditional diesel-powered ferries, the Candela P-12 uses an electric powertrain combined with a carbon fiber hull and hydrofoils to create a super efficient propulsion system.
The 8.5-meter (28-foot) water taxi can accommodate up to 12 passengers in its panoramic view cabin. The P-12 also uses the same hydrofoil system already tested on the Candela C-7, the company’s luxurious electric pleasure boat.
Hydrofoils actually lift the boat’s hull completely out of the water, causing the P-12 to effectively mobilize on the surface.
Advantages of these features include less energy use, less noise, a smoother ride, and the ability to traverse water without leaving a trail.
As a result, the boat can travel faster in previously restricted areas where footprints could damage boats or harm marine life.
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The Candela P-12 can sail at 30 knots (55 kilometers per hour or 34 miles per hour) and has a range of more than 2 hours at 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour or 23 miles per hour).
The boat features DC fast charging that can supply the battery in just one hour. So theoretically it could run repeatedly for more than two hours on and one hour off, or a fleet of P-12s could run non-stop.
The smooth ride is made possible by the hydrofoils themselves and by Candela’s patented control system that automatically adjusts the blades for a smoother ride. It is quite an amazing sight to see, that you can see for yourself.
The company also says that means “a 95% reduction in the g-force of the waves compared to conventional boats, and the end of seasickness.”
“One of the big benefits of our hydrofoil technology and proprietary electric drive train is the low operating costs. P-12 consumes 80% less energy than conventional combustion engine water taxis, or in other words, less energy per passenger than a family car,” explains the company.
The P-12 is expected to be available for delivery in late 2022.
Written by | Gabriel Sayago
