Candela puts P-12 Shuttle into series production

Candela P-12 hydrofoil (Photo: Candela)

Swedish boat developer and manufacturer Candela has reported the successful trial of its P-12 electric vessel.

The new hydrofoil model is designed to raise itself out of the water at 16 knots on three carbon wings, before reaching a top speed of 30 knots (operating speed is 25 knots). Range of the 11.99 m boat fitted with 252 kWh battery packs is between 40 and 50 nautical miles. Max DC recharging level is 175 kW.

A Flight Control System adjusts the foil angles based on a series of sensors to deliver a smooth ride.

Two self-contained C-POD electric motors are used to power the boat. Connectivity further supports preventative maintenance. Candela states that electric power, coupled with high-efficiency operation, will cut per-kilometre running costs by ‘at least 50%’ compared to diesel vessels.

The company puts forward that a traditional ferry running at service speed would cost about €90/hour to run. The P-12 is said to cut that to about €17/hour.

Gustav Hasselskog, founder of Candela, said: “With P-12, we don’t just offer a faster and more comfortable electric alternative to fossil fuel vessels. We offer operators to switch to sustainable vessels, while increasing profits. That’s hugely important to drive the transition to fossil-fuel free oceans and lakes.”

The P-12 can carry up to 30 passengers – a ‘Business’ version, which has a premium cabin finish can accommodate between 12 and 20 passengers.

Passenger boarding uses a extendable bow ramp. This can adjust to various dock heights (0.2 to 2.0 metres) allowing the vessel to be used across a variety of routes without modifications.

Candela has now put the P-12 into series production. The second vessel is set to join Stockholm’s public transport system, ferrying passengers between the island suburb of Ekero and the city centre.

The electric boat can reduce commuting time on this route from 55 to 25 minutes. The same journey by car takes about 50 minutes.

In ‘Shuttle’ trim, the P-12 is available for €1.7 million, a price said to be comparable with similarly-sized diesel models.