Rising star: we go for a ride in Polestar’s new electric boat

Each C-Pod contains a pair of electric motors, driving a pair of contra-rotating propellers with a total of 67bhp. That’s more efficient than a single motor. At higher speeds, the pressure in the flow around a large propeller creates a vacuum that adds noise and inefficiency.

There’s also a lot of computing power packed into a Candela boat, including fly-by-wire steering and a ‘Flight Controller’ system that takes sensor data from the boat’s perimeter and can adjust the position of the boat up to 100 times per second. 

Speaking of computing power, much as in a car, you will also find a 15.4in touchscreen near the steering wheel, with features such as built-in navigation. Obviously, you can also download an app to check your battery status from dry land, although, as of yet, there’s no Apple BoatPlay function.

While all of Candela’s craft are clearly style-focused, the Candela C-8 Polestar Edition adds in solid-grey exterior paint, marine-certified seat fabric taken from Polestar cars and gold design elements. 

It’s offered in open, T-top (with an extender shade above the driver) and hard-top forms, with prices from €400,000 (£335,000).

There’s clearly demand for the firm’s products, as those C-8 sales figures and interest in its ferries show. In a short time, Candela has become a leading player in the electric boat space – and it seems the firm could fly even higher in future, especially with access to proven electric car technology.