First Flying Electric Ferry in the U.S. Will Go to Lake Tahoe

Swedish boatbuilder Candela and a company called FlyTahoe have announced that the first U.S.-based electric foiling ferry, the Candela P-12, will soon debut on Lake Tahoe.

The electric hydrofoiling ferry will reduce travel times for Tahoe locals and visitors, providing a north-south connection across the lake, while also helping cut emissions.

According to the two companies, the Candela P-12 will significantly lower operational costs over diesel-powered vessels. 

With Lake Tahoe attracting over 15 million outdoor enthusiasts year-round, road congestion has become an ever-increasing problem. Travelers often find themselves stuck in long car lines, especially in winter, due to road closures caused by heavy snowfalls. 

A Candela P-12 recently started service on the waterways of Stockholm, Sweden. Tahoe-based FlyTahoe will provide a 30-minute cross-lake service, which will cut a car's travel time going around the lake in half. About 20,000 cars make the trip daily.

The P-12 is a 30-seat vessel, designed to accommodate both skis and bikes, uses hydrofoil technology—computer-guided underwater wings—to fly above the water’s surface.

The wings lift the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag and cutting energy consumption by about 80 percent compared to conventional vessels. The P-12 can be fully propelled by renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels, while providing a smooth ride above the waves at high speeds, making seasickness an unlikely event.

"It basically works like a jet fighter, which is constantly balanced using ailerons," says Gustav Hasselskog, CEO and Founder of Candela. "The principle of the P-12 is the same, except our wings fly in water instead of air." 

The P-12 cruises at 25 knots, which is crucial for commuters looking to cut travel time. The FlyTahoe ferry will create a link to the 14 ski resorts encircling the lake, making it an option for tourists and locals alike.

“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," says Ryan Meinzer, founder & CEO of FlyTahoe.

Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the US and never freezes over, so the ferry can operate year-round.