Polestar announced this morning it has signed a multi-year agreement to supply battery and charging systems to Candela, a Swedish hydrofoil electric boat company.
For those unfamiliar with Candela, it is a company that manufactures zero-emissions boats with minimal noise. Utilizing computer-guided hydrofoils, which lift the hull from the water, the boats technically hover above the surface to use less energy at higher speeds. Studies have shown that Candela’s boats use up to 80 percent less energy at high speeds than traditional motorboats.
Candela’s high-speed electric boats offer a lighter environmental footprint and more passenger comfort because of the smooth cruising experience. The partnership aims to help both companies “propel the growth of sustainable electric mobility in society,” Polestar said.
“I am fascinated by the way Candela’s boats glide elegantly and efficiently through, or better, over the water – amazing proof of the great aesthetics and experiences modern, sustainable technology can create,” Polestar CEO Thomas Ilgenlath said. “Polestar will be part of future projects with Candela by supplying an essential part for the innovative propulsion of their boats is awesome. As a battery supplier to Candela, we can help drive the transition to cleaner oceans and lakes and electrify waterborne transport.”
Polestar currently sources batteries from both LG Chem and CATL. Both companies are based in Asia. In the future, Polestar plans to use Northvolt batteries, which are manufactured in Sweden.
Candela CEO Gustav Hasselskog said the partnership should accelerate the adoption of sustainable boats:
“Polestar is a dream partner for us. While electrification of cars has come a long way in the last few years, the marine sector has fallen behind. Marrying our efficient hydrofoil technology to high-capacity batteries from Polestar means we can speed up the mass market adoption of electric boats together.”
This partnership marks Polestar’s first supply of battery and charging systems as a third party. The collaboration between the two companies “marks the start of a broader intended partnership between Polestar and Candela, with both companies committed to exploring further opportunities for future collaboration.”
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