Barq reveals first EV to be built in Mena: advanced electric two wheeler to revolutionise last mile deliveries
- Barq reveals its prototype electric scooter for last-mile delivery in the MENA region
- The class leading Rena Max is built for purpose, reducing costs and improving efficiency of rapidly growing last mile delivery market
- Designed by world-renowned design and engineering firm CALLUM
- Swappable battery technology and 150km range eradicates time lost to charging
- Barq will be the first company to produce a vehicle in the MENA region and plans to expand rapidly across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt
Who is Barq
Barq, MENA’s first provider of smart and sustainable electric mobility solutions, is redefining MENA’s mobility scene with its world class delivery bike.
Its debut product the Rena max was purpose built and developed in collaboration with restaurant giant Americana and delivery platform Jahez, the Rena Max has been designed to tackle the global challenge of inefficient costs and low productivity within the rapidly growing last-mile delivery market.
Designed by world-renowned design and engineering firm CALLUM, the Rena Max has focused on performance and user experience to position it as a best in class electric two-wheeler. The Rena Max 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 8in touch screen.
The Rena Max was purpose-built and engineered to tackle the challenges of the MEA region, through 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. 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.
Using rider feedback to improve useability, the Rena Max has an improved rider position for comfort, a special textured seat to lower heat during prolonged use, USB connectivity and LED daytime running lights.
Thoughts on Barq
Abdallah Abu Sheikh, CEO & 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 Rena Max is the product of analysing countless rider experiences and a wealth of data from on-demand platforms. The result is astonishing – it’s the Tesla of the scooter world. Fit for purpose with an unprecedented focus on user experience and operational efficiency.
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.”
Ian Callum CBE, Founder of CALLUM “Modern, simple and functional, Barq’s Rena Max is designed to solve tomorrow’s delivery challenges. CALLUM considered every functional aspect, factoring in the tough environment and demands of the working rider. From tubeless tyres to minimise punctures, through to a lightweight, responsive architecture to eke out maximum range and be a delight to ride.”
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 has already managed to attract the interests of some of the biggest industry players in the region
The Rena Max joins Barq’s existing portfolio of mobility solutions including an electric bike for hyperlocal delivery and the Guinness World Record Breaking YAS1, a drone capable of travelling 5km in 10 minutes.
