New “Flying” Electric Water Taxis in Stockholm Promise Speedy, Low-Cost Transit

Stockholm, which is often called the “Venice of the North,” is about to see a major innovation in its water transportation system. The city will soon host a nine-month trial of the Candela P-12 Shuttle. 

This vessel is not your ordinary boat, however, as it’s a fully electric, zero-emission hydrofoil designed to serve as a passenger taxi on water. The trial starting in 2023 promises to revolutionize how people move around the Swedish capital.

Candela is no newcomer to the field of electric boating. The company made waves in the industry with the launch of its C-8 hydrofoil leisure boat back in August 2021, selling over 100 units in just half a year. 

They also offer other models like the C-7, a passenger boat with a top speed of 30 knots, and the P-8, which can serve as either a shuttle or an exploration craft.

The P-12 Shuttle distinguishes itself with the promise to offer a real alternative to cars and traditional public transport in waterfront cities. Imagine being able to travel between Stockholm, Sydney, Monaco, or Miami without the usual road congestion. 

The hydrofoil technology behind the P-12 Shuttle is a game-changer. It uses 80% less energy compared to conventional boats, making it incredibly efficient. The vessel can cover distances up to 60 nautical miles at speeds of 30mph while being exceptionally quiet and causing almost no wake in the water. 

This low impact makes it environmentally friendly, reducing the risk to marine life and seabed ecosystems.

The P-12’s hydrofoils are constructed from carbon fiber to ensure that they are both robust and lightweight. This allows the boat to “fly” just above the water’s surface, reducing drag and increasing efficiency. 

Importantly, these hydrofoils are engineered with safety in mind. They feature designed breaking points that activate when hitting a larger obstacle, thus protecting the main body of the vessel from significant damage.

Inside, the P-12 Shuttle is designed for versatility and comfort. It has a flexible interior layout that can be adjusted to seat up to 30 passengers. This makes it ideal for a variety of uses, from daily commuting to special events. 

What’s more, the expected cost per mile for passengers is remarkably low—just 10% of the fare for traditional diesel ferries. In addition to being more affordable, the hydrofoil technology allows the P-12 to often be faster than other means of transport, especially during rush hours.

Candela aims to modernize and make waterborne public transportation more efficient with its P-12 Shuttles. The vision is for frequent and quick departures to offer a nimbler water-based transport network while reducing overall operational costs. 

Gustav Hasselskog, the CEO of Candela, drew a parallel between their mission and Tesla’s impact on the automotive industry. According to Hasselskog, just as Tesla made electric cars stylish and desirable, Candela aims to create appealing, high-performance electric boats that will speed up the transition toward more sustainable water transport solutions.