Arrakis Sandstorm cost R37 million.
South African-born technology entrepreneur Prebun Reddy is bringing home the electric hypercar Arrakis Sandstorm.
His ambition is to start manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs) locally, in addition to selling the $2 million (R37 million) hypercar locally.
He has contracts with several car dealers to sell the Sandstorm, but he says the biggest challenge in setting up a manufacturing plant was bureaucracy.
Durban-born Reddy is the brains behind the Arrakis Sandstorm, a rare edition electric hypercar with South African roots.
A hypercar is a high-performance, technologically advanced type of sports car. These vehicles typically push the boundaries of automotive engineering in terms of speed, acceleration, aerodynamics, and overall performance.
Hypercars are often limited production models and command high prices. Other hypercars on the market include the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the McLaren Senna, the Pininfarina Battista, the Lotus Evija, the Bugatti Chiron, and the Ferrari LaFerrari.
EV maker Arrakis Automobili said the Sandstorm is in the development stage, with a production prototype targeted for the third quarter of this year. However, only 20 units are planned to be produced.
turn ideas into reality
From humble beginnings selling used cardboard in Durban, Reddy now splits his time between the United Arab Emirates and the UK, where the company is based.
During his time at SA, he ran several technology companies including Kagiso Interactive. He started conceptualizing the hypercar seven years ago in his SA at Eeon Motor Group.
When asked what motivated him to develop this car, Reddy told ITWeb via email: “This was the only logical way to balance the contradictions between my love of oil-guzzling supercars and my quest for a greener, more sustainable world. It’s an idea I hold dear.”10 I've been selling used cardboard scraps since I was a teenager.
Durban-born Prebun Reddy is the brains behind the Arrakis Sandstorm, a rare edition electric hypercar with South African roots.
“A lot of kids draw pictures of cars and stop there, but here we have a founder from the tip of Africa who's actually bringing those pictures to life.”
Regarding plans to return the car to SA, he said: “We are discussing this option with several dealers.”
He cites a lack of interest from decision-makers as the biggest reason for not being able to establish manufacturing plants locally. “We reached out to government agencies and other stakeholders, but received no response.”
The Department for Trade, Industry and Competition had not responded to ITWeb's request for comment on this issue at the time of publication.
“We are in talks with several parties and will make an announcement.” [local manufacturing plans] If only we could have something solid,” Reddy continues.
The company says certain supercar clubs in SA have taken note of the Sandstorm.
“Arrakis' approach will attract market attention,” says Ivan Krenek, vice-president of the Lamborghini Club of SA. “Their innovations have the potential to accelerate the widespread adoption of advanced EV technology in supercars and hypercars.
“They are currently headquartered in the UK, but through the many discussions we have had with them, we believe there is a good chance that the next generation of Arrakis vehicles will be manufactured here in SA,” Krenek said. he says.
“If it comes to fruition, it will definitely represent a change in the global automotive landscape and make SA a continental hub for automotive ingenuity. I can’t wait to get in the cockpit.”
The Arrakis team claims that the Sandstorm will be able to clock 0-100km/h in 1.5 seconds, which would beat the current EV hypercar record of 1.85 seconds.
“From a commercial perspective, the hypercar market is ripe for disruption,” Reddy asserts. “He will exclusively produce just 20 highly personalized vehicles for selected customers, allowing him to offer thrilling performance and unparalleled functionality.”
The cruising range is 500km, so you can travel long distances without worrying about running out of battery. The company says its fast-charging thermostatic battery technology can charge it to 80% within 30 minutes.
The Ararkis team claims that the Sandstorm can clock 0-100km/h in 1.5 seconds.
For connectivity, the Sandstorm features Bluetooth, WiFi hotspot, and CarLife integration, ensuring access to entertainment and information options.
V12 engine sound has also been introduced, which the company says allows drivers to enjoy the familiar roar of a gasoline engine while still enjoying the benefits of an electric vehicle.
Advanced technology includes driver assistance systems, navigation systems, and customizable driving modes.
Ararkis Automobili says it is committed to sustainability. The Sandstorm's construction is said to incorporate sustainable materials such as aluminum, magnesium-aluminum alloy, and recyclable plastic.
It added that detailed information about Sandstorm's carbon footprint and environmental impact will be published in the future as part of the company's continued commitment to transparency and sustainability.
“Arrakis believes that you don't have to sacrifice style for sustainability, proving that environmental consciousness can be sophisticated, futuristic and definitely desirable.
“Ararkis Sandstorm aims to break down the misconception that sustainable vehicles are slow and show that cutting-edge green technology can deliver thrilling performance.”