First electric hydrofoiling ferry in the US to launch on Lake Tahoe
The first electric hydrofoiling ferry in the US is set to begin operations on Lake Tahoe, offering a new transportation option for skiers and other visitors. The Candela P-12, developed by Swedish technology company Candela, will be introduced in collaboration with local operator FlyTahoe.
FlyTahoe plans to offer a 30-minute cross-lake service, halving the time required to travel between north and south shore locations compared to current driving routes.
The Candela P-12, which has been described as the fastest electric boat in the world, is designed to operate with significantly lower emissions and reduced operational costs compared to traditional diesel-powered ferries. Its hydrofoil technology allows it to ‘fly’ above the water, minimising drag and energy consumption.
The P-12 has a cruising speed of 25 knots (~30 mph) – the fastest for any electric vessel, claims Candela.
Electric ferry on Lake Tahoe
The new ferry service aims to address two pressing issues for the region: reducing emissions from transportation and alleviating road congestion. Lake Tahoe, a destination attracting over 15 million visitors annually, frequently experiences heavy traffic, particularly during the winter months when snowstorms can close roads and disrupt travel.
The introduction of the Candela P-12 on Lake Tahoe is part of a broader effort to explore electric maritime transport as a viable solution for decarbonising waterways in the United States.
The Candela P-12 has already been deployed on Stockholm’s waterways, and its debut in the US signals a growing interest in sustainable alternatives for passenger transport across lakes and coastal areas.
The Candela P-12 was recently launched into service by Stockholm’s public transport company, becoming the first operator of this innovative vessel.
The company is also expanding into New Zealand. In 2024, MIN reported that Meridian Energy is set to operate a Candela P-12 on New Zealand’s Lake Manapōuri in 2025.
In March 2024, Candela closed the most significant funding round in its history, securing €24.5 million from investors led by Groupe Beneteau. The cash injection has set the stage for an expansion of production for its P-12 electric ferry, a vessel that promises to redefine electric maritime transportation.
The first and second manufactured Candela P-12’s flying across Stockholm’s waters
Dscussing the Tahoe deployment, Ryan Meinzer, founder & CEO of FlyTahoe, says: “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 Tahoe blue.”
The Candela P-12
This 30-seat vessel, designed to accommodate both skis and bikes, uses hydrofoil technology—computer-guided underwater wings—to fly above the water’s surface at high speeds, unaffected by waves and winds.
According to Candela, the wings lift the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag and cutting energy consumption by a staggering 80 per cent compared to conventional vessels. This is what allows the P-12 to be fully propelled by renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels, while providing a smooth ride above the waves even at high speeds.
“It basically works like a jet fighter, which is constantly balanced using ailerons. The principle of the P-12 is the same, except our wings fly in water instead of air,” says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and founder of Candela.
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