Electric hydrofoil boat manufacturer Candela has delivered the first Candela C-8 Polestar edition - a limited edition of Candela's C-8 in collaboration with Chinese-built electric car brand Polestar.

Unveiled publicly for the first time in 2023, this boat is emblematic of the collaboration between the two brands in terms of design and technology. Under an earlier agreement, Polestar already supplies batteries and charging technology to Candela's yachts.

The C-8 Polestar Edition takes this collaboration a step further, with a specially designed interior and upholstery to bring Polestar's expression of Scandinavian luxury to the marine industry. A new solid grey exterior colour, complemented by a lighter grey tone for the interior areas, gives the C-8 Polestar Edition an elegant, uniform look that is enhanced by the use of the same marine-certified textile throughout, from the seats, cushions and sunbeds to the wall panels and cabin roof.

The seat upholstery, designed by Polestar's design department, is inspired by sculpted seats from the automotive world and offers exceptional comfort while enhancing the experience of a smooth and quiet ride aboard an electric hydrofoil.

To highlight Candela's innovative technology and performance, the hydrofoils are painted in the iconic Swedish gold colour that characterises the performance details of Polestar's cars.

"Candela's hydrofoil technology is a paradigm shift for sustainable performance in the marine industry. Like driving an electric car for the first time, you immediately feel that this is the future when the boat 'takes off' - and now with the special gold details that we so proudly display on our cars," says Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar.

"We are extremely proud to be working with the brilliant teams at Polestar. We share the common goal of moving the world in a more sustainable direction. Design is an extremely powerful tool, as it can persuade people to make the right choice. With the Polestar C-8 edition, we have the most desirable pleasure boat on the market, in every respect," says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela.

Technology, performance and durability combined

Candela and Polestar already have a technical collaboration, as all Candela C-8s - including the C-8 Polestar edition - use the standard range 69 kWh battery and charging equipment of the unique Polestar 2 engine to achieve a range of 57 nautical miles (65 US miles) on a charge at a cruising speed of 22 knots. This range compares favourably with that of traditional motorboats and is accompanied by a high-speed range 2 to 3 times greater than that of conventional electric speedboats, thanks to hydrofoils that reduce friction on the water. The Candela C-8 uses Candela's new 100kW direct-drive electric motor, the Candela C-POD, and 'flies' on computer-guided hydrofoils that lift the hull above the water at high speed, reducing energy consumption by 80% compared to conventional motorboats.

Using the same fast charging capabilities as the Polestar 2, the Polestar Candela C-8 edition can charge its battery from 10 to 80% state of charge (soc) in less than 30 minutes, enabling it to travel long distances if it has access to DC marine charging networks - as demonstrated last autumn when a Polestar-powered Candela C-8 prototype covered 420 nautical miles in one day.

A ship centred around its software

The Polestar edition of the C-8 is fully connected and is constantly being improved thanks to real-time updates. When using foils, Candela's flight controller computer automatically adjusts the angle of attack of the foils to keep the boat stable, even in waves and wind, resulting in a much smoother and quieter ride on the waves. The foils can be retracted at the touch of a button on the C-8's user interface, for towing or entering a shallow harbour.

Features and comfort

The Polestar Candela C-8 is available as an open daycruiser, a T-top or a weather-protected hardtop made from carbon fibre with a retractable roof for sunny days. The spacious cockpit can accommodate up to eight people on three individual seats and an aft sofa. A sundeck can accommodate two people. The forward cabin can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

The Candela C-8 Polestar edition is available online at Polestar Additionals, or at Candela.com. It is sold and delivered by Candela.

Prices start from EUR 400,000/ USD 450,000. Production takes place at Candela's factory in Stockholm, Sweden, and deliveries are expected from June 2024.