Polestar to supply batteries for electric hydrofoil boat

Polestar has signed a multi-year agreement to supply battery and charging systems to Swedish hydrofoil electric boat company Candela – both already in New Zealand.

The agreement marks one of the world’s first direct battery technology collaborations between companies from the automotive and marine industries.

Utilising computer-guided hydrofoils which lift the hull above water, Candela’s electric boats ‘fly’ above the surface and use up to 80% less energy at high speeds compared to traditional motorboats.

“As a battery supplier to Candela, we can help drive the transition to cleaner oceans and lakes, and electrify waterborne transport,” says Polestar chief executive Thomas Ingenlath.

Candela chief executive Gustav Hasselskog says: “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.”

The supply of battery and charging systems to a third party, a first for Polestar as an EV manufacturer, marks the start of a broader intended partnership between Polestar and Candela.