Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car manufacturer, has announced it has signed a multi-year agreement to supply battery and charging systems to Swedish hydrofoil electric boat company, Candela. This extends Polestar’s efforts to drive sustainable electric mobility beyond the automotive industry.
The agreement marks one of the world’s first direct battery technology collaborations between companies from the automotive and marine industries. As leading electric vehicle brands in their respective sectors, both Polestar and Candela share common values of innovative design and commitments to sustainability.
Hopefully, we will see more collaborations like this helping all areas of mobility to help speed up the transition to cleaner zero emissions electric powertrains.
Utilising computer-guided hydrofoils which lift the hull above water, Candela’s electric boats ‘fly’ above the surface and use up to 80 percent less energy at high speeds compared to traditional motorboats.
Candela’s crafts produce zero emissions and minimal noise, combining a light environmental footprint with better passenger comfort and a smoother cruising experience compared to traditional boats.
By combining Polestar’s batteries with Candela’s pioneering electric hydrofoil technology, both companies aim to propel the growth of sustainable electric mobility in society.
Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO, said: “I am fascinated by the way Candela’s boats glide elegantly and efficient 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.”
Gustav Hasselskog, Candela CEO, said: “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.”
The supply of battery and charging systems to a third party is a first for Polestar as an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer. It marks the start of a broader intended partnership between Polestar and Candela, with both companies committed to exploring further opportunities for future collaboration.
Polestar recently announced it is establishing UK commercial head office and a new test drive hub at Bicester Heritage in Oxfordshire. This is will allow potential customers to see and test drive Polestar’s cars including the currently available Polestar 2 electric crossover and the upcoming Polestar 3 electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) that launches in October and the Polestar 5 in 2024.
