Candela Technology AB is an innovative Swedish company founded in 2014 with a focus on developing and manufacturing electric hydrofoils, which combine high speed and long range. The company has revolutionized maritime transport with its hydrofoil technology, which reduces energy consumption by 80% compared to traditional boats. Using Atlas Copco's energy storage system (BESS) and fast chargers, the company has found a fast solution for charging even when the grid is not sufficient.
Candela hydrofoils use wings under the hull (hydrofoils) to lift the boat out of the water at a certain speed, this reduces water resistance and increases speed and efficiency. A traditional boat plows through the water, generating more drag and thus lower speed. All models in the Candela product portfolio are equipped with powerful rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide maximum propulsion.
Erik Rygren, Director Powertrain Engineering
"To get efficient charging of our electric boats, an energy storage system and a powerful fast charger is a choice we recommend to support the local electricity grids. Customers make an active choice in choosing electric boats, then they also need to ensure the infrastructure for charging," says Erik Rygren, Director Powertrain Engineering at Candela.
Since the start of series production, Candela has developed several different models, each with its specific target audience. The first boat introduced in 2019, the Candela C-7, can accommodate six people and is aimed at private individuals with an interest in technology and who want to be at the forefront of the transition to electric power. The next model, the Candela C-8, is slightly larger and has overnight accommodation, and was the world's first electric recreational boat with both long range and high speed. The third type of boat, the Candela P-12, is designed for commercial use and can carry around 30 passengers.
Energy storage systems and fast chargers boost Candela's research and development
The company's test and demo boat, the Candela P-12, has lithium-ion batteries of 360 kWh and is moored at the quay outside Candela's headquarters in Värtahamnen, Stockholm. Here, the local grid connection is limited to a 63 A socket which only provides 40 kW of power, which is not enough to carry out fast charging. Due to the lack of sufficient power in the local grid, Candela has added an Atlas Copco ZBC 250-575 energy storage system to temporarily increase the power. The energy storage system reduces the charging time of the test and demo boat from 6 hours to only 60 minutes, allowing as many as three full test cycles per day compared to only one before.
Erik Rygren, Director Powertrain Engineering
“The significant reduction in charging time generally benefits our research and development,”, says Erik Rygren, Director Powertrain Engineering at Candela, and continues: “It is valuable time that allows us to accelerate our testing program.”
The ferry for commercial services
The Candela P-12, the world's first electric passenger hydrofoil, is attracting worldwide interest. For example, an Indian customer has ordered eleven ferries to improve the water-based transportation infrastructure in Mumbai, where thousands of electric ferries are planned in the coming years. The NEOM futuristic city project in Saudi Arabia has ordered eight hydrofoils to create a zero-emission public transport system on water.
Candela P-12 outside Stockholm City Hall, Sweden
Brief facts about Candela Technology AB
- In operation since 2014.
- Head office in Stockholm, Sweden.
- Number of employees: about 200 people.
- Inventor and manufacturer of hydrofoils.