In a remarkable step towards achieving Net-Zero goals, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to unveil its first locally-developed petrol-to-electric repurposed vehicle on the sidelines of COP28. This groundbreaking technology, pioneered by Dubai-based start-up Peec Mobility, offers a cost-effective alternative to the mass scrapping of existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Zach Faizal’s Vision: Revolutionizing Electric Mobility
At the helm of this innovative endeavor is 24-year-old entrepreneur Zach Faizal, the driving force behind Peec Mobility. Faizal’s vision focuses on repurposing retired petrol vehicles, retaining their body and chassis, and transforming them into electric vehicles. This transformative process boasts a 30% lower cost and 80% less manufacturing time compared to producing new electric vehicles.
Unveiling the Future: Peec Mobility’s Debut Line-up
Faizal, a UAE native who conceptualized this idea while studying in the UK, is now ready to unveil Peec Mobility’s first lineup of reinvented mid-sized sedans and buses. These vehicles feature smart paint jobs, Flyknit-style upholstery, and retrofitted home-designed electric engines. The debut takes place at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference, marking a significant contribution to the global sustainability conversation.
Affordable Innovation: Redefining Electric Vehicle Affordability
Addressing the affordability challenge in the electric vehicle sector, Faizal aims to deliver repurposed vehicles at nearly half the cost of new electric vehicles. While the average electric car on the market is priced at around $52,000, Peec’s vehicles are expected to be priced 30% to 50% lower, making sustainable mobility more accessible to a broader audience.
Collaborating for Change: Peec Mobility’s Ambitions
Peec Mobility’s ambition extends beyond the local landscape, with plans to collaborate with the government to implement this conversion at scale and create a replicable model globally. Faizal envisions a reduction of 23% of emissions from the transportation sector by 2030 through the repurposing of just 5.0% of existing vehicles on the road every year for the next seven years.
Redefining Taxis: Seizing Opportunities for Sustainability
With over 11,300 taxis on UAE roads as of 2022, Faizal sees an opportunity to reimagine the taxi fleet more sustainably. Encouraging repurposing these vehicles as electric vehicles instead of scrapping them aligns with the nation’s Net-Zero goal and contributes to a greener transportation landscape.
Localized Production: Peec Mobility’s Strategic ReFactory
Looking ahead, Faizal plans to establish the first Peec Mobility ReFactory in Dubai Internet City (DIC) to start production next year. This strategic move aligns with the broader goal of reducing capital expenditure (capex) through the EV transition in the short term and emphasizing the development of a robust charging infrastructure globally by 2030.
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Global Impact: Peec Mobility’s Vision Beyond Borders
With approximately 1.6 billion existing cars on the road globally, Faizal believes that conversion is the most pragmatic route to achieving net-zero, minimizing waste, and kickstarting a new life cycle for vehicles. The ultimate goal is to redefine the used-car market in the UAE and other countries, setting an example for a sustainable and economically viable future in the automotive industry.
By introducing Peec Mobility’s innovative approach to repurposing vehicles, the UAE is making a lasting impact on the journey towards sustainable transportation and a greener planet.
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