Swedish electric boat manufacturer Candela is set to deploy its P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry on Lake Tahoe, marking the first regular operation of the vessel outside Europe. The move comes as Candela expands its reach following the delivery of its first customer unit to Stockholm and securing fresh capital for growth.
FlyTahoe, the operator of the ferry, plans to use the Candela P-12 to establish a north-south connection on the iconic lake, which straddles California and Nevada. The service will operate every 30 minutes and is expected to cut travel time in half compared to driving a similar route by car. “This is a sustainable and efficient alternative for Lake Tahoe’s visitors and residents,” FlyTahoe said in a statement.
Capable of carrying up to 30 passengers, the P-12 employs hydrofoil technology, lifting its hull one meter above the water to significantly reduce drag. This allows the ferry to cruise at 25 knots (46 kph) while cutting energy consumption by 80 percent, according to Candela. The vessel’s design extends its range on a single battery charge, making it an attractive solution for eco-friendly water transport.
Candela’s expansion into the U.S. coincides with a successful Series C financing round, raising $14 million from investors including SEB Private Equity, EQT Ventures, and KanDela AB. The latest funding brings Candela’s total raised in 2024 to over $40 million, bolstering its plans to scale operations and continue innovating in sustainable maritime transport.
