Now Candela’s electric boats get batteries from Polestar
All of Candela’s newly ordered electric boats of the model C-8 receive battery packs from the electric car manufacturer Polestar. Thus, they can also be fast-charged. But what happened to the electricity consumption?
When Candela launched the C-8 hovercraft in the summer of 2021, it was with a 44 kWh lithium-ion battery. The range was stated to be over 50 nautical miles (93 km) at a cruising speed of 22 knots.
This summer, the battery collaboration between the Lidingö-based electric boat challenger and the electric car manufacturer Polestar became known. The multi-year agreement means that Polestar supplies batteries and charging systems to Candela. But none of the actors wanted to share the specifications. Until now.
All Candela C-8s get the same battery pack as in the Polestar 2 Standard Range, which means 69 kWh. With the larger battery, the C-8 gets a range of 57 nautical miles.
Other “driving bike”
But wait a minute, at launch Candela said 44 kWh would be enough for a range of over 50 nautical miles. Now 69 kWh gives 57 nautical miles. A consumption of just under 0.9 kWh/nautical mile has suddenly increased to 1.2. How did it happen?
– We have taken a little more height for turbulent conditions and different winds when calculating the C-8’s range including the Polestar battery. But in bad weather it is possible to get below 1 kWh/nautical mile with the C-8. You can say that we changed to a slightly more realistic “driving cycle”, says Mikael Mahlberg, communications manager at Candela, to Ny Teknik.
The company does not want to say who has previously supplied battery cells and packs to Candela. These agreements are terminated. Chinese CATL and Korean LG Chem supplies the cells to Polestar.
Some adjustments to the hull have had to be made to accommodate the larger battery. Photo: Candela
A clear advantage of the battery collaboration is that the C-8 will now also be able to be quickly charged with direct current – which has not been possible before. Charging power is not mentioned, but the Polestar 2 SR is possible to charge with around 136 kW.
Gothenburg-Oslo in one day
According to Candela, thanks to fast charging, it will be possible to cover Gothenburg-Oslo in one day. The fast charger network for electric boats is currently sparse, but under construction.
Candela currently has approximately 150 orders for C-8, which cost approximately SEK 3.7 million each. The price is the same regardless of battery size. Those who order from today will receive 69 kWh, which means that a first “batch” will be delivered with 44 kWh, Mikael Mahlberg announces.
