Is it a boat or is it a plane?
Put your glasses on!
This is clearly an electrically-powered hydrofoil passenger ferry.
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This doesnt just look cool, it reduces drag and allows the boat to travel faster.
It also makes the craft more energy efficient.
However,electric hydrofoil boats are inherently unstable.
This balances the boat and reduces seasickness the unsavoury side of many seafaring journeys.
Candela hasnt just attracted investors, but city planners, too.
The government has financed half of the project, with Candela covering the other half.
Ekero residents currently have to undertake a 55-minute trip by bus, subway, or conventional ferry.
The Candela P-12 Shuttle will cover the 15km route in 25 minutes saving commuters 50 minutes a day.
Theres no need to build new infrastructure.
In addition to city commuting, Candela envisions inter-city and even international travel.
According to company spokespersonMikael Mahlberg, the trip took just 30 minutes and cost3 in electricity.
Key to Candelas viability, it says, is affordability.
Candelas biggest challenge now is scaling up production to meet demand, said its CEO.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
