Hydrofoil ferries promise more efficient electric travel on US waterways
Electric ferries are beginning to enter public transport in the US and elsewhere, with hydrofoil designs offering a way to make battery-powered boats more efficient. By lifting the hull above the water, these vessels reduce drag, which can lower energy use and help cut diesel pollution around busy waterfronts.
Vessev says its hydrofoils reduce drag by about 66%, while Swedish company Candela says its boats can use up to 80% less energy than comparable conventional vessels. Vessev operates passenger services in New Zealand and is expanding to Australia, with its first US service planned for Lake Tahoe; Norway has ordered 20 Candela boats. Electric ferry plans depend on route length, passenger loads and charging needs, but could also offer operators lower running costs.
In short
- Hydrofoils lift boats above the water to reduce drag.
- Electric ferries could cut emissions and waterfront air pollution.
- Vessev plans its first US service on Lake Tahoe.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “A new wave of electric ferries is here in the US. Some even fly”.