24-year-old Zach Faizal unveils UAE’s first home-grown petrol-to-electric repurposed vehicle
Zach promises to deliver repurposed car at almost half cost of new EV
Abu Dhabi: In a major breakthrough on the sidelines of COP28, Dubai-based start-up Peec Mobility is set to debut the UAE's first home-grown petrol-to-electric repurposed vehicle. Founded by 24-year-old entrepreneur Zach Faizal in 2022, Peec Mobility's innovative technology promises to play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions on UAE roads and aligning with the nation's Net-Zero goals.
The technology developed by Peec Mobility is a cost-effective alternative to mass scrapping of existing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle fleets. By repurposing retired petrol vehicles while retaining their body and chassis, the start-up aims to transform them into electric vehicles with a 30% lower cost and an 80% reduction in manufacturing time compared to producing new electric vehicles.
Zach Faizal, the visionary behind Peec Mobility, envisions this technology as a game-changer for the Middle East region. He emphasizes that re-engineering offers a quicker, smoother, and greener transition to electric mobility than purchasing new electric vehicles. Faizal's promise is to deliver repurposed cars at nearly half the cost of new electric vehicles, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
“Today, re-engineering is quicker, smoother and greener than buying new EVs, and proves cost-efficient,” said Zach Faizal, who promises to deliver a repurposed car at almost half the cost of a new EV. “For instance, an average electric car on the market is priced at around $52,000. Peec’s vehicles are aimed to be priced at 30 per cent to 50 per cent lower with the volumes we’re looking at. Thus solving the affordability challenge in the sector,” Zach Faizal was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.
Peec Mobility's focus extends beyond individual cars, with an ambitious plan to repurpose entire fleets of ICE buses, cars, and trucks on UAE roads. Zach Faizal believes in the efficacy of reusing existing vehicles, emphasizing that "waste is minimized, and a new life cycle begins."
The start-up's first line-up of reinvented mid-sized sedans and buses, featuring a smart paint job, Flyknit-style upholstery, and retrofitted home-designed electric engines, will be unveiled at the ongoing UN Climate Change Conference.
Zach Faizal aims to collaborate with the government to implement this conversion at scale and create a replicable model from the UAE to the world. Zach Faizal aspires to support the UAE Net Zero goal by reducing 23% of emissions from the transportation sector by 2030. He proposes implementing a policy to repurpose just 5.0% of existing vehicles on the road every year for the next seven years.
Peec Mobility's plan is not limited to the UAE; Zach Faizal envisions taking the conversion model to other countries, redefining the used-car market globally. Recognizing that setting up local ReFactories is a key strategy to reduce capital expenditure in the short term, Zach Faizal believes it is crucial to invest less in the capex of vehicles until 2030. The goal is to prioritize building a robust charging infrastructure globally, paving the way for heavy manufacturing plants and gigafactories in the future.
“Conversion is the most pragmatic route to Net-Zero. One we can succeed with our business strategy here, we will take it to other countries to redefine the used-car market,” said Zach Faizal.
As of now, Peec Mobility is on track to unveil at least 500 repurposed EVs operating on Dubai roads by 2024.
“The number one limiting factor to electric vehicle adoption is the lack of charging infrastructure, not the vehicles themselves. Our strategy and goal is to work with governments and bring awareness of the idea, until 2030, of investing less in the capex of the vehicles (repurpose them) and invest the bigger amount in charging infrastructure. And once by 2030, we have a robust charging infra globally, we can move into heavy manufacturing plants and gigafactories.” He further added.
Zach Faizal is the son of Faizal Kottikollon and Shabana Faizal, a well-known Indian entrepreneur couple based in the UAE. The couple is not only known for their business endeavors but also for their philanthropic contributions.
Shabana hails from Mangaluru in the Karnataka state of India. She is the only daughter of prominent businessman and socio-religious leader Late B Ahmed Haji Mohiudeen who founded the prestigious BA Group of Businesses in Thumbay near Mangaluru.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
