Look at the headline numbers. There are currently two billion vehicles on the planet. We can't afford to have four billion in the future."
This is the sober assessment of David Lorenz, founder and CEO of Lunaz, a company that's dedicated to converting existing ICE vehicles into greener BEVs. There's nothing new in that, you might point out, but the scope and ambition of the Lunaz business model suggests that it's more serious than most.
Those who know the name will be aware of its EV conversions, particularly of classic Bentley, Jaguar and RollsRoyce models, but these "upcycled EVs" are only one part of a business that also includes bin lorries see right) and developing cutting-edge tech, as well as having a bold mission to radically reduce our addiction to buying new and to tap into the circular economy, whose mantra is recycle and reuse’.
“The business plan I first wrote back in 2018 covered the conversion of classic cars, fire engines, airport vehicles, refuse trucks simply any vehicle class I thought was correct to re-engineer,” says Lorenz. But I was looking at fleets more than individual conversions. Essentially, I wanted to help break this cycle of new replacement and work on extending existing products’ lives.”
A classic car enthusiast but with a background in hospitality, the 36-year-old had the business idea, but it wasn’t until a chance encounter with former Formula 1 engineer Jon Hilton on a flight that the plans became a reality.
Denne historien er fra February 22, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
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Denne historien er fra February 22, 2023-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal