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LUCERNE, Switzerland – The world’s first electrically powered hydrofoil outboard, which reduces power consumption and noise – as well as seasickness – by ‘flying’ above the waves, debuted on the Swiss lakes.
The Candela Seven can reach a speed of 34 miles per hour when its foils lift it out of the water. Its makers say it travels farther and easier than other electric boats.
Foils reduce water friction – and the effect of waves slamming into the boat – reducing power consumption by 80% compared to normal diesel-powered boats and extending the boat’s range to 56 miles .
The carbon fiber boat also carries an on-board computer that automatically adjusts the foil positions 100 times per second to reduce body roll and seasickness.
“Because we don’t have hitting waves, we don’t have a snap or shock and you really have a quiet ride,” Swiss importer Christian Vogel told Reuters.
Until now, electric boats have tended to sacrifice either speed or range due to the capacity limits of their batteries.
The Candela Seven made its Swiss debut on Lake Lucerne this week, with the Candela Speed ​​Boat hoping to attract new business with a European tour. The Stockholm-based company has delivered 16 boats since last year.
The boat, which costs around $ 296,000, would be perfect for lakeside Swiss cities like Zurich, Lucerne and Geneva, Vogel said.
“People could use it to cross lakes or for day trips,†he said. “You can drive this with a clean environmental conscience, and it’s a lot of fun.”
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