A two-wheeled electric vehicle designed for the last-mile delivery market has been unveiled for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Barq’s Rena Max has been built and developed in collaboration with restaurant giant Americana and delivery platform Jahez.
Regional challenges
The Rena Max was purpose-built by design and engineering firm Callum to tackle the challenges of the MENA region with multiple engineering innovations from battery cooling, to IoT and fully integrated software to custom made storage and delivery areas designed to improve the quality of deliveries through temperature control.
“To date automakers have not built vehicles specifically for our region. We have been consumers of Western and Chinese built technologies that don’t cater in a holistic way for the precise needs and challenges of the region,” said Abdallah Abu Sheikh, CEO and founder Barq.
“The opportunity in light mobility is massive, globally, but we want to make the first moves with purpose-built vehicles for the Middle East and Africa and we have put together the best minds to do it.
The insulated top box includes a food safe lining, configurable shelving and integrated thermometer. The electronically controlled locking system logs and tracks all box open and closing for additional security.
The vehicle features swappable battery technology, a range of up to 150km per charge from the 5.6Kwh lithium unit and a 97kph top speed from the 9KW electric motor. Also featured is a reverse gear, multiple riding modes and an integrated 8-inch touch screen. It also offers USB connectivity and LED daytime running lights.
Sheikh added: “We have a very nimble operation and have developed the Rena Max in a matter of months after analysing countless rider experiences and a wealth of data from on-demand platforms.”
“This new bike won’t just improve a rider’s day-to-day job but also the quality of the delivery. Almost eliminating downtime via battery swapping means that riders and platforms can meet sustainability ambitions without losing valuable time to charging.”
Production will start in late 2022 and Barq expects to manufacture 50,000 units within the region by 2025 to support the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the world’s largest commercial motorcycle markets.
Couriers will be able to lease the Rena Max via delivery platforms and leasing companies for a low monthly subscription. Barq reports it has already managed to attract the interests of some of the biggest industry players in the region.
Source: smartcitiesworld.net
Source: IOT NETWORK NEWS
