Polestar signs deals to supply batteries to a Swedish hydrofoil electric boat company. The boat company is known for its Flying Electric boats that it has been working on. Polestar is expanding its business in the boating industry, with a multi-year agreement with Candela.
The multi-year agreement between both Swedish companies marks its remark. It is one of the world’s first direct battery technology collaborations between the marine and automotive industries. With Polestar’s batteries and Candela’s pioneering electric hydrofoil technology, the growth for sustainable mobility is high. In a recent press release, Candela said the battery deal will push the company in scaling up production swiftly. It can bring mass-market electric boats one step close to reality by including automotive battery technology. “Polestar is a dream partner for us. While the 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.” As stated by the CEO of Candela, Gustav Hasselskog. The deal is a big step for Candela, where it secures a steady battery supply and can bypass the “prohibitively high cost of marine batteries for electric boats.”
Marine battery packs
Electric boatbuilders typically have so far relied on smaller, boutique vendors of marine battery packs. Scarcity and high unit costs of these packs are two factors that have prevented electric boats from achieving parity with ICE vessels. Now, because of 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. Candela’s boats, which cruise at 30 knots, produce zero emissions and minimal noise, which improves passenger comfort and contributes to a smoother cruising experience compared to traditional boats.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, 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. That 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 says the supply of battery and charging systems to a third party, a first for the company as an EV manufacturer, marks the start of a broader intended partnership with Candela. Both companies are committed to exploring further opportunities for future collaboration.
