Overview 
P-12 
C-8 
C-POD electric drive
The Candela C-POD electric motor series is engineered to meet the unique requirements of our hydrofoil vessels. By placing highly efficient permanent magnet motors in a pod beneath the water, we eliminate the need for a mechanical transmission. Counter-rotating propellers are driven directly by the motors, improving efficiency, reducing noise, and minimizing maintenance. The C-POD merges performance with low operational costs.
More range
The C-POD series is the first electric pod motor designed for high-speed foiling craft, offering longer range per kilowatt-hour. Its custom-built motors deliver four times the power density of other marine powertrains.
Built to last
With no regular maintenance needed, the C-POD provides significant cost savings compared to diesel engines. Its seawater-cooled, sealed motors require no oil or fluid changes, ensuring a truly hassle-free, low-cost operation over time.
The C-POD electric motor
Enhanced passenger experience.
By positioning the motors underwater, we eliminate the typical rattling noise associated with gearboxes and mechanical transmissions. Independent measurements by Swiss authorities confirm that Candela’s vessels are the quietest ever recorded.
Passengers enjoy a serene, whisper-quiet ride, gliding smoothly across the water without noise or vibrations. This not only enhances their comfort but also helps protect marine life and waterfront communities by eliminating the noise pollution typically caused by fast vessels.
Candela Tech Talks
Explore Candela’s cutting-edge technology in our Tech Talks series, where experts break down the advanced foiling system, and flight controller that power our electric hydrofoil boats.
Questions?
Here are the top five.
What is the Candela C-POD?
The Candela C-POD is a highly efficient, direct-drive electric pod motor series specifically designed for hydrofoil boats. There are two versions: a smaller motor for the Candela C-8 and a larger version for the P-12 ferry. The C-POD is engineered to minimize drag while offering durability, silent operation, and low maintenance.
How does the C-POD differ from traditional boat engines?
Unlike traditional inboard combustion engines or outboard motors, the C-POD is fully electric and features a direct-drive system with no gears or transmission. Since the motors are placed below the waterline, they directly drive the propellers without the need for a conventional transmission. This eliminates many moving parts, significantly reducing maintenance requirements. Additionally, its efficient design converts more electrical energy into thrust, lowering overall power consumption.
What kind of maintenance does the C-POD require?
The C-POD requires minimal maintenance due to its gearless, oil-free construction. Furthermore, its sealed, water-cooled motor design ensures very little wear and tear over time, providing a significantly longer service life compared to traditional motors.
How powerful is the C-POD?
The C-POD is available in two versions:
C-POD MAX for the Candela P-12 ferry
Standard C-POD for the Candela C-8
The two C-POD MAX units in the P-12 provide a combined 320 kW for takeoff, while the C-8’s motor outputs approximately 80 kW.
Both versions feature counter-rotating propellers, each driven by its own electric motor. This setup improves efficiency by capturing and converting rotational energy that would otherwise be lost. In a single-propeller system, the spinning motion of the propeller creates a swirling wake, wasting energy as rotational flow in the water. The second propeller counteracts this effect, generating additional forward thrust instead of letting energy dissipate.
What environmental benefits does C-POD offer?
The C-POD runs on electricity and produces zero emissions during operation. Additionally, it does not require lubricating oil, eliminating the risk of oil spills in sensitive marine environments.
More importantly, its low noise levels help mitigate anthropogenic noise, which can disrupt marine life by interfering with communication, navigation, and feeding patterns. By reducing both underwater and airborne noise pollution, the C-POD contributes to a healthier marine ecosystem.