Polestar’s technology is taking to the sea, with Swedish hydrofoil manufacturer Candela partnering with the electric vehicle brand to use its batteries.
The agreement will see Polestar supply 69kWh battery packs from its Polestar 2 for use in the Candela C-8.
Additionally, Polestar says it will also supply Candela with its DC fast-charging technology and share research and development capabilities to help it integrate the technology and software in a marine application.
Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela said the partnership “marks a significant breakthrough for electrification at sea”.
“With batteries from Polestar, the Candela C-8 becomes the first electric vessel that can travel to destinations that were previously only reachable by combustion engine boats.”
Candela says it expects a range of up to 57 nautical miles on a single charge, based on a cruising speed of 22 knots. It also claims the C-8 has a high-speed range 2-3 times higher than that of conventional electric speedboats.
Candela’s C-Pod direct-drive pod motor motor will power the C-8 to speeds of up to 30 knots in the C-8, with a claimed energy usage per nautical mile of 0.8kWh at 20 knots.
The Polestar 2 battery will allow the vessel to travel from Monte Carlo to Saint-Tropez on a single charge with 10km of range still remaining.
The hydrofoil design works by lifting the hull above water at high speeds, reducing claimed energy consumption by 80 per cent compared to traditional motorboats.
The retractable C-Foil system allows for different modes, preventing discomfort to passengers onboard in different sea conditions.
Candela says it will begin deliveries of the C-8 in the northern spring of 2024.
It’s part of a range of electric hydrofoils from the Swedish-owned manufacturer, which includes both passenger and commercial vessels.
Polestar is diving into third-party partnerships like Candela in efforts to drive sustainable electric mobility beyond its automotive vehicles.
“Sharing know-how on batteries and vehicle engineering with Candela will help reach our shared goal of transitioning to a future where all forms of transport are sustainable,” said Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath.
Polestar is a fledgling brand part-owned by Geely and Volvo.
It estimates it sold 51,500 cars in 2022, up 80 per cent on the previous year’s figures.
It expects to increase sales to 80,000 units this year, anticipating further growth of its Polestar 2 and first deliveries of its new Polestar 3 SUV.
