2022 Candela C-8 prototype takes to the water

The company is already sitting on more than 100 orders for its new $450,000-plus C-8, which is the first model to adopt a 50kW “C-Pod” electric pod drive built into its foiling system.

The pod’s efficient design allows Candela to fit the 8.5-metre C-8 with an electric motor that’s smaller and lighter than if it was powered using a conventional sterndrive.

Candela said after hitting 16 knots – the speed at which the lightweight yet strong carbon fibre hull lifts out of the water on its foils – the Candela C-8 prototype P-01 “lifted off smoothly, and flew noiselessly above the water at a cruise speed of 20 knots”.

“This first flight marks a huge moment not only for Candela, but also for the powerboat industry,” Candela chief executive Gustav Hasselskog said.

“The C-8 is not only designed to be the best electric boat, it is designed to be a far better experience than conventional powerboats. I hope we can drive the transition to emission-free boating at a very fast pace.”

According to Candela, the foils and pod motor make the Candela C-8 up to 80 per cent more efficient than a traditional hull form.

It is anticipated the production version of the Candela C-8, due in mid-2023, will be able to range up to 50 nautical miles at 24 knots on its 44kWh battery – plenty of range to take advantage of the cuddy cabin on overnight trips – before needing a recharge. Should the skipper over-reach on the range, the Candela C-8 will go into limp-home mode and provide another 3.0nm of range at 4.0 knots.

Recharging is expected to take around 13 hours via a normal powerpoint, with the option for a 2.5-hour rapid charge.

The Candela C-8 will be available as either an open “daycruiser” or semi-enclosed “hardtop” configuration. Its cuddy cabin can sleep two adults and two children comfortably.

Candela has recently appointed a distributor in New Zealand and is yet to appoint one in Australia. Of note, the Candela C-8’s beam is just 2.5 metres, making it legally trailerable here.

The company said the Candela C-8, the second model in its showroom alongside the Candela Seven runabout, was optimised for mass production, with capacity expected to peak at 400 units a year.