LUCERNE (SWITZERLAND) – The world’s first electric hydrofoil speedboat made its debut on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. With less energy consumption and noise, the vessel skims over the water and thereby prevents sea sickness.
The Candela Seven can reach speeds of 55 km per hour when its foils lift it above the surface of the water. Its ride is much smoother compared to other speedboats.
The foils bring down friction with water and waves slamming the boat and this cuts down energy consumption by 80% compared to normal diesel-powered boats.
Its on-board computer system regulates the foil positions 100 times a second to reduce rolling.
“Because we don’t have any waves hitting, we don’t have any slamming or bumping around and you really have a quiet, smooth ride,” said Swiss importer Christian Vogel.
Until recently, electric boats were unpopular because they either compromised on speed or on battery capacity.
The Sweden-based manufacturer has delivered 16 boats since last year.
Vogel said the boat, which costs 250,000 euros ($296,000), is suitable for lakeside cities such as Zurich, Lucerne and Geneva.
“People could use it to commute across lakes or for day trips,” he said. “You can drive this with a clean conscience from an environmental point of view, and it’s great fun.”