Electric hydrofoil craft maker Candela is to open its first US test drive center in San Francisco, California. The site will be used to demonstrate the capabilities of the company’s latest vessels.
Situated in Sausalito, the facility will open on April 1, 2022, joining the manufacturer’s other centers in Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Italy. By opening the site Candela aims to expand its presence in the US market.
By utilizing computer-aided hydrofoils Candela’s electric craft are capable of ‘flying’ above the water for more than two hours at a cruising speed of 22kts. By lifting the vessel’s hull above the surface of the water, friction is reduced, enabling an 80% reduction in energy use compared to a traditional powerboat. Candela states the range of its electric craft is 2-3 times greater than other available electric vessels.
Having already secured over 100 orders for its C-8 daycruiser, Candela states that many of its new customers are from the USA, making the country’s powerboat market a key target for the company.
“We’re not just aiming at making the best electric boat,” said Tanguy de Lamotte, CEO, Candela US. “We’re making a vastly better boat than today’s conventional powerboats, hands down – combustion engine or electric. Thanks to our hydrofoil technology and our direct-drive C-POD motor, there’s no slamming, no noise, no fumes and very little maintenance. It basically takes away all the bad things with powerboats. Once you’ve tried a Candela, it’s very hard to go back to conventional boating.”
Click here to learn more about Candela’s zero-emission hydrofoil vessels in the latest issue of Electric & Hybrid Marine Technology International magazine.
