The world’s first all-electric hydrofoil passenger boat has completed its test swim in Sweden. Now it’s time for mass production at a factory near Stockholm.
You may have never heard of these types of boats before. Hydrofoil boats have hydrodynamic traction thanks to the hydrofoils attached to the stern of the boat. As the ship moves through the water, this force not only eliminates the weight of the ship, but also moves the hull away from the water and reduces resistance. Thus, it becomes possible to achieve high speeds without using too much power.
Designed by the Swedish technology company Candela Technology AB, Candela P-12 can reach a speed of 30 knots, which can be considered a record among electric passenger ships, with a range of up to 92 kilometers (50 nautical miles).
Much of the ship’s performance comes from its hydrofoils, wing-like structures mounted on struts beneath the hull. These lift the ship out of the water and significantly reduce friction, allowing the ship to move faster. Gliding with the help of a hydrofoil also makes the ship more energy efficient, using 80 percent less energy than conventional ships at high speed.
To ensure a smooth journey on the boat, sensors and a computer system that measures wave height and wind speed are also installed in the foils. The company claims that in this way, passengers feel 90 percent less gravitational force compared to traditional boats, even in harsh weather.
The Shuttle version of the boat, which is just under 12 meters long, has space for 30 passengers as well as bicycles and baby strollers. The shuttle model costs 1.7 million Euros, which is almost the same price as similar boats with internal combustion engines.
However, the boat is also available in a more luxurious Business version, which includes a first-class cabin with seating for 12 to 20 passengers.
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