FlyTahoe and Candela have announced the introduction of the Candela P-12, the United States’ first electric hydrofoiling ferry, into operation on Lake Tahoe.
The ferry, which also recently launched on the waterways of Tappström, a suburb in Stockholm, touts a 30-minute cross lake service for both Tahoe residents and visitors, cutting average journey times in half and reducing the number of cars on the road each day.
Ryan Meinzer, Founder & CEO of FlyTahoe, said:It's ironic that while millions, myself included, drive around Lake Tahoe to admire its beauty, the road sediment we generate contributes to the largest threat to the lake's famous cobalt blue clarity. Our service will provide a faster transport than cars or buses, while keeping the lake blue.
The vessel is capable of carrying up to 30 passengers per trip (as well as skis and bikes) and represents a step toward the decarbonisation of maritime transport on the country’s waterways.
Computer-controlled hydrofoil wings allow the vessel to remain above water, reducing up to 80% of a typical unit’s energy consumption by cutting friction when traversing the water.
With the lake’s great reluctance to freeze, the vessel will operate all year round, with the Tahoe Transportation District identifying the transport as the optimum method to reducing traffic congestion along the lake’s north-south route.
Gustav Hasselskog, of Candela, said:We’re proud to partner with FlyTahoe to bring this revolutionary technology to the U.S. for the very first time. This will not only ensure more efficient commuting around Lake Tahoe and unlock business possibilities for waterfront communities, but it’s also a big step toward unlocking the potential of U.S. waterways for zero-emission transport.
