The United States will get its first-ever electric hydrofoiling ferry on Lake Tahoe thanks to a partnership between Sweden's Candela and local operator FlyTahoe.
The Candela P-12 hydrofoil will add a unique transportation option to the world-renowned tourist destination, which is known for not only lavish lakefront living but also outdoor adventure activities like skiing, hiking, climbing, and mountain biking.
FlyTahoe will be offering a 30-minute cross-lake service to reduce the travel time by half between the lake’s north and south shores compared to traveling overland.
“It’s ironic that millions, including myself, drive around Lake Tahoe to admire its beauty, while the sediment from these roads poses the greatest threat to the lake’s iconic cobalt blue clarity. Our service offers a faster alternative to cars or buses, all while helping to ‘keep Tahoe blue,’” said Ryan Meinzer, founder and CEO of FlyTahoe.
The P-12 hydrofoil was first unveiled almost exactly one year ago and features a unique carbon fiber catamaran hull and hydrofoiling design. The P-12 has proven to be a strong performer in testing, boasting a take-off speed of 16 knots (18 mph) and reaching its designed top speed of 30 knots (34 mph) within about 16 seconds. It is also expected to carry a range of 40-50 nautical miles (75-90 km). It measures 39'3" in length (11.9 m), carries a 14'9" beam (4.5 m) and weighs 10 tonnes (22,000 lbs).
”The P-12 is a platform that will cater to a vast range of clients. Whether it’s public transport, VIP services, or private customers, it will revolutionize how we travel over water," said Candela founder Gustav Hasselkog at the vessel's initial launch.
“It essentially functions like a jet fighter, constantly balancing with ailerons. The P-12 follows the same principle, but our wings ‘fly’ through water instead of air,” he said.
The new ferry service with FlyTahoe will look to overcome two major challenges affecting the region -- cutting emissions and easing road congestion. With over 15 million annual visitors, Lake Tahoe has significant road traffic, especially during winter peak season, or when snow and poor weather disrupts travel. The 30-seat ferry was specifically designed to accommodate ski gear and bikes and will operate year-round. Lake Tahoe borders both California and Nevada and is part of the larger Tahoe National Forest. It sits within the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The P-12 is already in use in Stockholm, Sweden, where Candela is based, which has provided solid data on how the vessel will handle conditions in northern California. Stockholm’s public transport system was the first to choose a P-12 for public service, and the company expects its use to continue expanding globally as cities discover the benefits of zero emission operation.
In 2025, that will also include New Zealand, who have partnered with Meridian Energy to launch a P-12 on Lake Manapōuri for similar uses. The expansion of Candela and its ferry operations follows their record-breaking funding round in March 2024, where the company raised €24.5 million, led by Groupe Beneteau. The investment will support increased production of the P-12.
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