The Candela Seven is the world’s first electric-powered hydrofoil speedboat, which can run at 55 km/hr or extendable to 90 km/hr speed. It cuts energy consumption by 80 per cent, compared to normal diesel-powered boats, and reduces noise as well as sea sickness by ‘flying’ above the waves. Smoother than other electric boats, it made its debut on Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne last week.
The environment-friendly boat is made of carbon fibre, and carries an on-board computer to automatically adjust the foil positions 100 times per second to reduce rolling and sea-sickness. There is no slamming or bumping because of flying above waves, and so it offers a quiet and smooth ride. Earlier, electric boats tended to sacrifice either speed or range because of their battery limitations.
It costs around US$ 2,96,000, and could be used to commute across lakes for day trips.