At first sight, the hydrofoil-equipped craft seems to be simply a typical pleasure boat cruising on San Francisco Bay, but as it gathers up speed, it suddenly starts rising above the water, attracting the attention of people on a nearby ferry. Nevertheless, instead of a booming engine propelling the boat, its electric motor hardly makes a sound.
If Swedish “flying boat” manufacturer Candela has its way, such electric boats with computer-guided hydrofoils may soon supersede traditional ferries with combustion engines in ports and bays across the globe.
“It’s half aircraft, half boat; almost like riding a magic carpet,” Tanguy de Lamotte, a French sailor, remarked from the helm of the 8.5-meter (28-foot) long C8.
Candela’s American arm is led by De Lamotte, who has completed the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world race in a yacht twice the size of the C8. The Swedish company’s objective is to produce the most energy-efficient electric boats “and move away from fossil fuels,” according to de Lamotte.
When the boat speeds, hydrofoils that function as underwater wings lift it, leaving just the rotor and hydrofoils submerged and considerably lowering friction. The boat not only uses 80 percent less energy to cruise, but it also avoids nausea-causing waves or swells, according to de Lamotte. Moreover, since the engine is electric, passengers are spared the noise and odour of gasoline-powered engines.
Drop into the sea?
Candela has received around 150 orders for the C8, which starts at $400,000. The first shipment is due in Florida by the end of the month. Although the initiative may seem to be a drop in the ocean in terms of combating climate change-causing fossil fuel emissions, Lamotte contends that it is at least an oar stroke in the correct way.
Even if the C8 is a success, the environmental effect will be limited since recreational boats are only utilised a few days a week and when the weather is nice. Candela has decided to combat ferries. According to him, their next model will be a catamaran with 25 seats that will be tested as a shuttle in the Stockholm archipelago later this year.
Once operational, the service is projected to reduce the time it takes passengers to travel from the Ekero suburb to the city centre in half. The business also intends to test its P8 craft, a “limousine” variant of the C8, between Venice’s airport and hotels. Electric motors paired with hydrofoils are currently impractical in large cargo ships or cruise ships. Also, the problem of generating batteries and recycling the materials continues to be a barrier in the sector.
“The answer to our environmental crisis will come from technology,” de Lamotte said onboard the C8.
“That is what we are doing; without a doubt, the effect is much less than what we are now employing with internal combustion engines.”
Heading for Cannes
Candela promotes the C8 as the “fastest” and “longest-range” electric boat on the market, capable of sailing up to 57 nautical miles (approximately 100 kilometres) on a single charge at an average speed of 22 knots and a peak speed of 30 knots.
According to a forecast issued last year by Allied Market Research, the electric boat industry will be valued $5 billion in 2021 and will approach $16 billion by 2031. Candela aspires to distinguish itself by the use of hydrofoils and an innovative computer that automatically adjusts them to provide smooth and safe travels.
“It’s not difficult to design an electric boat,” said de Lamotte, who was working on his own prototype when he was recruited by the Swedish business.
“Having it fly on its own is more difficult.”
Alexei Chemenda, a French entrepreneur, said he and his wife “fell in love” with the Candela flying boat after seeing an earlier model in San Francisco Bay and trying one out last year. The pair intends to have a C8 sent to Cannes, where they own a home and want to rent it.
“It’s very magical. The boat lifts, the wake fades, and you feel as if you’re floating.”
You might also be interested in reading, Research shows energy-efficient nitrate pollution conversion to ammonia
