28-Foot Electric Foiling Boat By Polestar Brings Luxury EV Power To The Waters
In this age of electric vehicles, there’s certainly no shortage of options. Drivers can choose between affordable, more compact models or opt for sleeker, more spacious cars that offer the same attention to detail as luxury sedans of old.
But what if EVs took on the high seas? That’s what automaker Polestar and boatmaker Candela have decided to attempt in the Swedish brands’ recent collaboration, dubbed the Candela C-8 Polestar.
The watercraft, which is based on the electric foiling boat Candela C-8, takes on Polestar’s powerful batteries in an eco-friendly, emissions-free partnership. Upon first glance, the 28-footer’s gray carbon-fiber hull lends an air of speed from the get-go.
All C-8 boats come equipped with the same batteries and charging functions used in the Polestar 2, allowing the watercraft to travel up to 57 nautical miles at a speed of 22 knots. The 75 kW electric motor can go up to a full 30 knots at maximum settings.
Within its interior, the boat features a lighter gray hue to complement its façade, along with monochrome upholstery used for the seats, cushions, sunbeds, walls, and roof panels to tie in the entire look.
One thing that stands out immediately is the craft’s shining gold hydrofoils, which use the same paint found on certain models of Polestar’s cars. These wings, Candela’s main expertise, lift the hull high above the waterline to reduce energy consumption by up to 80%.
In fact, the technology incorporated into the boat is so advanced that the computer-stabilized foils can adjust their positions in real-time to ensure the ride stays perfectly smooth and level even in the choppiest of tides.
Customers have the option of purchasing the special-edition collaboration—starting from US$450,000—as a day cruiser, T-top version, or a hardtop model that comes with a retractable roof. Up to eight people can fit in the cockpit at once, while up to four can sleep in the cabin.
“Candela’s hydrofoil technology is a paradigm shift for sustainable performance in the marine industry. Like the first time driving an electric car, you instantly feel that this is the future when the boat ‘takes off’—and now with the special gold details that we so proudly exhibit on our cars,” concluded Maximilian Missoni, Head of Design at Polestar.
[via Robb Report and Electrek, images via Polestar]
