Rabdan One is the very first electric vehicle to be manufactured in the UAE. It was certainly the most popular attraction on display at the Adipec 2023 gathering in Abu Dhabi of global energy professionals.
The Rabdan brand is the brainchild of NWTN Motors, a green mobility technology company in the UAE. NWTN has already begun setting up a sales and distribution network for Rabdan automobiles in the GCC nations. The company anticipates that in the next 5 years, sales of its electric cars will surpass 5,000 units.
The company describes the Rabdan One as a “dynamic, intelligent, and comfortable, all-wheel-drive SUV that adopts the world’s leading range extension technology”. Tariq Al Hashmi, the UAE ministry’s director of technology adoption and development, said “Hopefully this is just the beginning of the establishment of an electric vehicle industry in the UAE.” Moreover, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NWTN to become the first bank in the UAE to provide financing for the purchase of the Rabdan One.
Rabdan One measures 4,905 mm in length and has a 2,960 mm wheelbase. This makes it slightly larger than the J150 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (2009-2023). The swept-back headlights and a sizable grille featuring Rabdan’s logo are the main design elements of the fascia. Its dominant wheel arches and prominent outlines add to the vehicle’s sleek and aerodynamic profile, which is further enhanced by a sloping roof. The rear end is attractive, with a curving tailgate accented by a modern taillight bar.
The Rabdan One on display
Accessing the interior of the car is made easier with automatic pop-out car door handles and a hydraulic trunk. Step inside, the 5-seat SUV features a dual-tone interior boasting premium materials and enhanced comfort. The dashboard features a full-width screen that incorporates the digital instrument cluster and a multimedia system in a singular unit. The central tunnel features a chunky gear lever, a wireless charging pad, and a storage bin. Other interior highlights include a flat-bottomed multi-function steering and a panoramic sunroof that comes with an adjustable opacity and light control function to ensure comfort while driving in different types of weather.
Related: Voyah Passion PHEV Launched at Guangzhou Auto Show
Rabdan One is an all-wheel-drive extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that offers a comprehensive driving range of up to 860 kilometers. The dual-motor (front/rear) drive setup produces a whopping 1,040 horsepower, allowing the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Other features worth mentioning include an air suspension, a finely tuned chassis for better road stability, a host of ADAS technologies, and a level-two autonomous driving system.
The official launch of Rabdan One is expected in the forthcoming months, according to NWTN’s statement. Likewise, the pricing of the EV will also be revealed closer to the launch.
Voyah Free
That being said, the regular readers of CarSpiritPK might have recognized already, sparing badges this looks exactly like the Voyah Free SUV made by Dongfeng Motors of China. Digging further into the story, we came to know that the Voyah Free will indeed be rebadged by NWTN as Rabdan One. The company has acquired a license to build this car in UAE, the production of which will take place in a factory located in Mussafa, Abu Dhabi.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com