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HYBRID MOBILITY SEEN AS KEY TO GCC ELECTRIFICATION TRANSITION

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Exclusive interview with Mr.Xiao Feng, General Manager of Changan MEA

  1. As EV adoption continues to grow globally, where do you see self-charging hybrid systems fitting into the Middle East’s long-term mobility transition?

A: Self-charging hybrids are far more than a temporary fix; they are a strategic enabler for the Middle East’s unique mobility landscape. While the global shift toward full electrification is clear, the specific realities of our region, such as vast travel distances, require a tailored approach. According to Roland Berger’s EV Charging Index 2025, one in three GCC EV owners drives more than 20,000 kilometers annually, placing the region among the highest usage markets globally.

Under our Vast Ocean Plan 2.0, we introduced the BlueCore iDE-H architecture to serve as a reliable bridge for these high-mileage driving conditions. It addresses the immediate need for carbon reduction without requiring a major shift in daily driving habits. Our technology acts as the link between the region’s current reliance on traditional vehicles and a future defined by sustainable, electric mobility.

  • Many conversations around future mobility focus heavily on fully electric vehicles. Why do you believe hybrid technology still has an important role to play, particularly across the MEA region?

A: While the industry spotlight is often on full EVs, hybrid technology remains a vital pillar for the MEA region. Changan adheres to a diversified technical layout rather than a one-dimensional approach. Our BlueCore Hybrid moves beyond the traditional fuel first approach toward a more balanced, electric first architecture.

This delivers a clear leap in performance including faster power response and superior quietness, while also operating effectively in high temperature desert environments where pure EVs still face limitations. In this sense, we are not simply filling a gap, we are building a practical diversified low carbon ecosystem that is relevant for today’s conditions.

  • How do you assess the Middle East’s current EV readiness, particularly in terms of charging infrastructure availability across the UAE and wider GCC? Additionally, how do you see recent fuel price fluctuations and ongoing regional dynamics influencing consumer interest in EV adoption?

A: The GCC’s EV readiness has evolved significantly, shifting from cautious trials toward more confident scaling, with penetration doubling within a year. While the UAE and Saudi Arabia have introduced strong Net Zero visions, including Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth in EV adoption, the broader regional transition continues to progress in phases.

At the same time, fuel price fluctuations have made consumers increasingly focused on total cost efficiency and long-term value. As highlighted in PwC’s eReadiness 2025 study, lower operating costs remain a key driver for EV interest, while upfront vehicle pricing continues to be a major consideration for many buyers. Within this environment, Changan’s hybrid solutions offer a balanced approach by combining economic practicality with low carbon mobility benefits for consumers who may not yet be ready for a full EV transition.

  • For many drivers, range anxiety and charging convenience remain major concerns around EV adoption. Do you see self-charging hybrids acting as a psychological bridge toward broader electrification?

A: Absolutely. While the region has reported world-leading charging satisfaction scores exceeding 94%, range anxiety and charging duration remain key concerns for many consumers who have yet to transition to EVs. PwC data also shows that charging time continues to be a major barrier for skeptical buyers, while a significant number of GCC drivers are calling for greater fast charging coverage along highways and long-distance routes.

Our iDE-H self-charging hybrid directly addresses these concerns by eliminating the need for external charging while delivering an ultra-long cruising range. At the same time, it provides a smooth and refined driving experience that mirrors EV-like performance, helping users gradually build confidence and familiarity with electrified mobility without the added concern of locating available charging infrastructure during long journeys.

  • How important is simplicity for today’s drivers, especially those who may want electrified mobility benefits without changing their daily driving habits?

A: Simplicity is a critical requirement for modern drivers in this region. Many consumers are interested in the benefits of electrification but are not yet ready to fundamentally change their daily driving or refueling habits.

Changan’s self-charging hybrid solutions are designed specifically around this reality. They retain the familiar experience of traditional refueling while delivering significantly improved efficiency, quieter operation, and enhanced performance. Supported by a robust global service network and straightforward maintenance requirements, they offer a truly hassle free entry point into electrified mobility.

  • As vehicles become increasingly software defined and AI assisted, how do you see the relationship between intelligent systems and energy efficiency evolving over the next decade?

A: Over the next decade, the relationship between intelligent systems and energy efficiency will become deeply integrated and inseparable. This is particularly relevant in markets such as Saudi Arabia, where demand for advanced automotive technologies continues to accelerate and buyers increasingly prioritize intelligent vehicle features. As software defined vehicles become the industry standard, Changan’s SDA Intelligence is enabling integration across driving, cockpit, and chassis systems.

Within this framework, our BlueCore Hybrid already leverages AI cloud intelligent control to precisely allocate power and optimize fuel efficiency through continuous algorithmic learning. Supported by the Changan Intelligent Plan, we are moving toward full domain energy management, where AI driven thermal management and intelligent driving systems work together to continuously enhance efficiency. This convergence will become a defining competitive advantage for both hybrid and electric mobility in the years ahead.

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ZEEKR SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE WITH THE ZEEKR 7X AT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT, CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF INNOVATION

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The Zeekr 7X has earned a Guinness World Records™ title for the tightest gap passed through whilst drifting an electric car, successfully passing through a gap with an astonishing clearance of just 25 centimetres.

The record was officially achieved at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the exceptional precision, stability, and dynamic control of the Zeekr 7X. The achievement demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Zeekr’s intelligent electric vehicle platform and reinforces the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation.

The Zeekr 7X’s record-setting performance is underpinned by a combination of advanced chassis engineering and intelligent vehicle control systems. Its front double wishbone suspension delivers exceptional steering precision and responsiveness, faithfully translating driver inputs into accurate vehicle movement. The high-output rear electric motor provides instant, precisely controllable torque, enabling smooth, sustained drifts while allowing fine adjustments to the vehicle’s direction through throttle modulation. Complementing these systems, the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) provides exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity, enhancing stability, balance, and driver confidence under extreme driving conditions.

The record attempt formed the centrepiece of Zeekr’s global celebrations marking its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2021, Zeekr has rapidly established itself as a premium intelligent electric mobility brand, continually pushing the boundaries of design, technology, safety, and performance. This latest Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation and serves as a powerful demonstration of the engineering excellence behind the Zeekr 7X.

“Achieving a Guinness World Records title is a proud milestone for Zeekr and a fitting way to celebrate our fifth anniversary,” said Mr. Mars Chen, Vice President of Zeekr. “The Zeekr 7X embodies our commitment to intelligent engineering, precision, and performance. This achievement demonstrates the strength of our technology and reinforces our ambition to continue redefining premium electric mobility through innovation.”

“This Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the innovation, precision, and performance that define Zeekr,” said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AWR Automotive. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and to bring the intelligent technology and advanced engineering of the Zeekr 7X to customers across the UAE.”

The celebration continued on 13 June 2026, when more than 200 Zeekr owners, customers, partners, and members of the UAE media gathered at Yas Marina Circuit to commemorate both the world record achievement and Zeekr’s five-year journey. The event brought together the Zeekr community to experience the brand’s latest innovations and celebrate this landmark moment.

As Zeekr enters its next chapter, the company remains committed to accelerating the future of intelligent electric mobility through cutting-edge technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and customer-centric innovation.

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UDRIVE CUSTOMERS CROSS 45 MILLION KILOMETRES AS UAE DEMAND FOR CAR SHARING ACCELERATES 

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Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has strengthened its mobility network across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, as app-based car access becomes a bigger part of how people move across the country. In 2025 alone, Udrive customers have driven more than 45 million kilometres, reflecting rising demand for smarter urban mobility that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s focus on flexible means of transportation.

The growth reflects Udrive’s expanding role as a practical alternative to traditional car rental and private car ownership. The platform now operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles and has completed more than three million rentals to date. In 2025, Udrive recorded over half a million trips, while registrations grew by 14% compared with 2024, indicating stronger adoption among customers seeking on-demand access to vehicles.

Residents make up 90% of Udrive’s customer base, showing how car sharing has become part of daily commuting, errands, weekend plans and short-term transport needs. Retention has strengthened, with active customers for 12 months or more rising from 21% to 32%. Growth across shorter-term segments has also supported higher trip volumes and revenue, pointing to sustained adoption among both new and returning users.

Fleet choice has also expanded; Udrive now offers vehicles from Kia, Ford, BYD and MINI, with Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and Mitsubishi also available on the platform. With the company’s ongoing partnership with AGMC, recent additions include MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, the launch of MINI Convertibles. Udrive has also added hybrid BYD Song and BYD QIN vehicles to its fleet, offering customers premium, lower-emission mobility options.

“At Udrive, our growth is being shaped by customers who want access without the cost and commitment of ownership. Expanding across four emirates and growing our fleet gives residents and visitors the freedom to choose the right car for every journey. Stronger retention shows that flexible mobility is becoming part of daily life in the UAE, while supporting a more practical alternative to private vehicle dependency,” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

As part of its wider network growth, Udrive has added new Business Zones in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, extending coverage across almost every area within its operating network. This gives customers more flexibility to pick up and end trips across key residential, commercial and lifestyle districts, supporting everyday journeys across the UAE’s major urban centres.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

As the UAE’s mobility needs continue to evolve, Udrive will focus on deeper coverage, stronger fleet variety, and partnerships that improve access to flexible transport across the country. The company’s growth strategy is centred on making shared mobility easier to use, more widely available, and more relevant to how residents move across cities every day.

The expanded Udrive network is now live on the app. Customers can open the map, find a nearby car, choose the rental option that fits their journey and start driving in minutes.

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Automotive

Udrive customers cross 45 million kilometres as UAE demand for car sharing accelerates 

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Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has strengthened its mobility network across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, as app-based car access becomes a bigger part of how people move across the country. In 2025 alone, Udrive customers have driven more than 45 million kilometres, reflecting rising demand for smarter urban mobility that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s focus on flexible means of transportation.

The growth reflects Udrive’s expanding role as a practical alternative to traditional car rental and private car ownership. The platform now operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles and has completed more than three million rentals to date. In 2025, Udrive recorded over half a million trips, while registrations grew by 14% compared with 2024, indicating stronger adoption among customers seeking on-demand access to vehicles.

Residents make up 90% of Udrive’s customer base, showing how car sharing has become part of daily commuting, errands, weekend plans and short-term transport needs. Retention has strengthened, with active customers for 12 months or more rising from 21% to 32%. Growth across shorter-term segments has also supported higher trip volumes and revenue, pointing to sustained adoption among both new and returning users.

Fleet choice has also expanded; Udrive now offers vehicles from Kia, Ford, BYD and MINI, with Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and Mitsubishi also available on the platform. With the company’s ongoing partnership with AGMC, recent additions include MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, the launch of MINI Convertibles. Udrive has also added hybrid BYD Song and BYD QIN vehicles to its fleet, offering customers premium, lower-emission mobility options.

“At Udrive, our growth is being shaped by customers who want access without the cost and commitment of ownership. Expanding across four emirates and growing our fleet gives residents and visitors the freedom to choose the right car for every journey. Stronger retention shows that flexible mobility is becoming part of daily life in the UAE, while supporting a more practical alternative to private vehicle dependency,” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

As part of its wider network growth, Udrive has added new Business Zones in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, extending coverage across almost every area within its operating network. This gives customers more flexibility to pick up and end trips across key residential, commercial and lifestyle districts, supporting everyday journeys across the UAE’s major urban centres.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

As the UAE’s mobility needs continue to evolve, Udrive will focus on deeper coverage, stronger fleet variety, and partnerships that improve access to flexible transport across the country. The company’s growth strategy is centred on making shared mobility easier to use, more widely available, and more relevant to how residents move across cities every day.

The expanded Udrive network is now live on the app. Customers can open the map, find a nearby car, choose the rental option that fits their journey and start driving in minutes.

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