Candela’s P-12 Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Successfully Operates on Water in Stockholm at Speeds of 55 km/h.
Swedish hydrofoil manufacturer Candela has announced that its new electric passenger ferry model, the P-12, equipped with a pulling electric engine and a three-wing design, successfully made its first run, achieving a maximum speed of 55 km/h. The company has commenced mass production of the P-12, marking a new sustainable era for waterborne transportation, New Atlas reported on November 16.
The P-12 ferry operating on the waters near Stockholm. (Photo: Candela).
“Today, in many cities, roadways are often congested while waterways, the oldest infrastructure created by humans, are not utilized for fast transportation,” said Gustav Hasselskog, founder of Candela. “The P-12 offers a way to use these waterways as green highways, providing rapid connections within the city. The fastest way to travel is over water.”
The Electric Hydrofoil Passenger Ferry is designed to be operated by one person and powered by two C-Pod electric drive motors. The pre-production prototype named Zero of the P-12 can reach a maximum speed of 55 km/h within 16 seconds after starting at 30 km/h.
The twin-hull design lifts above the water using carbon fiber wings and features an electronic control system that utilizes sensor data to adjust the angles of the hydrofoils, ensuring a smooth ride. Specifications include a 252 kWh battery. The P-12 has a range of up to 74 km on a single charge when operating at a passenger speed of 46 km/h.
Measuring 11.99 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, the ferry can accommodate 30 passengers, boarding via a ramp at the bow that can be adjusted for varying dock heights. The vessel also has space for bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs, and other items.
According to Candela, the second ferry will join Stockholm’s public transportation system in 2024, reducing the travel time between the city center and Ekerö Island from 55 minutes to 25 minutes. The P-12 is available in three deck configurations. The Shuttle version is priced around $1.85 million, comparable to a similarly sized diesel ferry. The Business version is designed to carry 12 to 20 passengers with premium interiors, while the Voyager version can be adapted for personal entertainment or commercial activities.
“With the P-12, we are not just providing a faster and more comfortable electric option than fossil fuel ferries; we are helping operators transition to sustainable vehicles while also increasing profitability,” Hasselskog shared.
