Polestar’s newest electric vehicle…is a hydrofoiling boat
Electric car brand Polestar has teamed up with boat manufacturer Candela to create a special edition vessel that features tech from the Polestar 2 electric saloon.
The C-8 Polestar Edition combines the car maker's Scandinavian EV design and pairs it with Candela’s striking electric hydrofoiling boat.
A bit about Candela
The Swedish firm is best known for its hydrofoiling electric boats, which are designed to lift out of the water as it accelerates, reducing drag and allowing for greater speeds.
Established in 2014, Candela’s C-8 is the fourth machine from the electric boat firm, following the P-12 water taxi, P-30 commuter ferry and C-7 sportsboat.
A bit about Candela
Candela’s electric ambitions have been on the rise in recent years, with the firm preparing to launch a new hydrofoiling electric ferry called the P-12.
The 3-seat vessel is set to undergo a nine month trial period, running between Stockholm and Ekero.
How far can the new Candela C-8 go?
Polestar already supplies Candela with its battery and charging hardware, hence the new special edition model features the same 69kWh unit found in the Polestar 2.
This gives the Candela C-8 a range of up to 57 nautical miles (65 US miles) between charges at cruising speed of 22 knots.
How does hydrofoiling help?
Candela says its range is greater than traditional powerboats, thanks to the C-8’s hydrofoiling capabilities which reduces friction.
The C-8 also features the firm’s latest 75kW C-POD electric drive motor, helping it lift the hull above the water. Candela says this reduces energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional boats.
The Candela C-8 Polestar edition design
The C-8 Polestar edition features a bespoke design which includes a solid grey exterior colour, specially designed seat upholstery and hydrofoils painted in Swedish gold, a colour which is used on the performance details – such as suspension components – of Polestar’s electric cars.
The Candela C-8 Polestar edition design
Candela’s latest vessel comes as an open daycrusier, a T-top version, or as a weather-protected hardtop version, which is made from carbon fibre and features a retractable roof for sunny boat trips.
Inside there is a spacious cockpit for eight passengers, a sunbed space for two, and a forward cabin which sleeps up to two adults and two children.
When will the Candela C-8 Polestar edition arrive?
The Candela C-8 Polestar edition starts from £347,000 ($450,000) and will be built at the Candela factory in Stockholm, in Sweden. First deliveries are expected from June 2024.
Commenting on the launch of the new special edition Candela C-8, Polestar head of design, Maximilian Missoni said:
"Candela’s hydrofoil technology is a paradigm shift for sustainable performance in the marine industry.
“Like the first time driving an electric car, you instantly feel that this is the future when the boat ‘takes off’ – and now with the special gold details that we so proudly exhibit on our cars.”
Candela founder and CEO Gustav Hasselskog added:
"Excellent design has an inherent value, but it can also serve as a powerful driving force towards a sustainable future.
“At Candela, our primary focus is to create vessels that are more compelling in every respect. I am therefore very happy about the C-8 Polestar edition and our collaboration with the brilliant team at Polestar.”
