Swedish company wants to bring ‘flying’ electric ferries to D.C.

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🗞️ Driving the news: Candela, a Swedish company, is introducing its flying electric ferries to Washington, D.C. The company has been showcasing its hydrofoil boats on the Potomac River, highlighting their speed, minimal noise, and low environmental impact
• Candela envisions these ferries as a faster, cheaper, and cleaner alternative to traditional water taxis and is courting local governments, private investors, and even the military for future applications
•  Their boats, which can travel up to 30 miles per hour with a 50-mile range, are already in use in Stockholm and have piqued interest in cities like New York and San Francisco

🔭 The context: Candela’s hydrofoil boats use innovative technology to glide above the water, reducing drag and increasing energy efficiency
•  This approach solves the energy challenges typically faced by waterborne transport, where displacement of water requires significant power
•  The company believes their ferries could revolutionize public transportation in urban areas, reducing congestion and offering a greener alternative to traditional ferries
•  The company is also exploring military applications, with the U.S. Navy experimenting with hydrofoils for the first time in decades

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Candela’s hydrofoils could play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of urban transportation systems
•  By using electric power and offering high efficiency, these boats could replace traditional diesel-powered ferries, which are costly and environmentally damaging
•  The company’s plans align with global efforts to create more sustainable urban transport networks, particularly in cities with heavy traffic congestion and limited infrastructure expansion options

⏭️ What's next: Candela is working to manufacture its boats in the U.S. to meet local demand, including exploring public-private partnerships to bring ferry services to D.C. and other cities
•  The company faces the challenge of proving the feasibility of using hydrofoils for commuter transport, especially in urban areas with existing ferry services
•  Future developments could see these boats become a staple in river transportation, easing traffic congestion and providing sustainable options for commuters

💬 One quote: “We think Candela’s hydrofoil has a tremendous potential to create a sustainable river transportation model and maybe even bring a commuter-serving ferry to the city for the first time.” – Zachary Baldwin, Southwest Business Improvement District

📈 One stat: Each Candela hydrofoil costs between $2.5 million and $3.5 million, making it a significant investment for private buyers and local governments

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