ARC Motor Company is an innovative Peterborough-based, EV start-up that converts gas-powered classic cars into high-performing electric vehicle. At the helm of this pioneering venture is entrepreneur, Sloane Paul, the first woman in North America to establish a start-up of its kind. Sloane leads ARC’s team of talented engineers and marketers from Rolls Royce, Dyson, Microsoft and more who are already making history with ARC’s inaugural achievement. The company is the first in Canada to complete the electrical conversion of an iconic first-generation Ford Bronco. Classic car enthusiasts can now begin electrifying their vehicles with ARC conversions starting at $75,000 USD. We chatted with Sloane to learn more. —Vita Daily
Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.
I am the CEO and Founder of ARC Motor Company, a green tech start-up that electrifies iconic classic cars and is based in Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario. My brother, Tom Chep, and I had the idea for the company a few years ago and finally risked it all to launch ARC this year. Prior to ARC, I spent almost a decade at Microsoft where I worked in multiple marketing and business strategy roles. Most recently, I was the Global Media Lead where I oversaw our performance marketing business across EMEA, APAC and the Americas.
When and why did you launch ARC Motor Company?
We started work on our prototype in 2022, but officially launched the company to the public yesterday – November 15, 2023. My brother and I launched ARC because I’m passionate about classic cars, specifically classic Ford Broncos. I wanted to electrify my 1969 Ford Bronco but wasn’t able to find a company to do it in Canada. Tom is an experienced electrical engineer from the nuclear, construction and automotive industries. (Fun fact, he played a pivotal role designing the systems that build Toyota’s latest models). We saw an opportunity to help improve and preserve classic cars as well as help Canada achieve its net-zero emissions goals by 2050, so it just made sense that we combine our skills to build ARC.
What niche were/are you aiming to fill?
See above. Also, some folks think that classic and collector cars are niche but it’s close to being a trillion-dollar industry. Although we’re based in Canada, we welcome clients from the US and around the world. There are about 31 million collector cars in the US, which is almost as many people as we have in Canada. All classic cars are 20 years or older which makes them gas-powered. It also means that they’re putting tailpipe emissions and harmful materials into the environment. This does not align with our government’s goal of net-zero emissions, so we hope we can electrify them to preserve them for generations to come.
What products/services do you currently offer, and what makes them unique?
We re-engineer and modernize gas-powered electric cars into high-performing electric vehicles. What makes our service unique is that each conversion is completed by a team of highly skilled engineers and auto technicians. Most of our conversions are bespoke as every vehicle is different. Depending on the vehicle, it can take us as little as 1 week to two months to complete a conversion.
Take us through the process (high level) of converting a classic car to electric?
First, we need to determine if the classic car is a fit to convert. It needs to be in excellent shape and the older the car, the better. We then draw up a plan on how we can best optimize the car with the electric conversion. We’ll also determine what type of batteries, motor and parts to use. If we need custom parts like a battery box or brackets, we will fabricate them for the conversion. Once we successfully complete bench testing the parts and system, we then strip the car of the internal combustion engine (ICE) components. Then, we install the electric components and test the car to see that it drives smoothly and safely. Once we work out any bugs, the car is safety tested for road – and then it’s ready for delivery.
Why would classic car enthusiasts/owners want to do this?
Not only can electric conversions dramatically improve the car’s performance and drivability, but electric cars need zero maintenance and produce zero tailpipe emissions! You can get to your destination in style and without the guilt. I had a 1969 Ford Bronco that was gas-powered with a 302 engine. I loved it, but it was so loud, the exhaust was terrible – and certainly not great for the environment. When your classic is electrified like our 1974 Ford Bronco, it immediately turns into a quiet but powerful machine that is so much more enjoyable to drive (power steering also helps). The performance is improved as we doubled the horsepower and boosted the torque with a range of up to 320 kilometers, which is comparable with the EVs on the market today.
How does it feel/what does it mean to be the first woman in North America to establish a start-up of this kind?
As a classic car enthusiast, I didn’t see many people like me in leadership positions. I know that women are also fond of classic cars but it’s an industry that is generally dominated by men. I hope that my being in this position can make classic cars or cars more accessible and comfortable for others – and I hope that it can also inspire others like me to join the industry or start something on their own.
In your words, why is the future electric?
Moving to electric is a cornerstone of our ability to build a more sustainable future. Currently, the transportation industry contributes to 25% of Canada’s domestic greenhouse gas emissions and while classic cars are just a fraction of those emissions, it’s not only exciting but also meaningful to be a positive part of the change. We’re proud to be in lockstep with the federal climate objectives, which all have a reduction in greenhouse emissions as a pillar of their actions. Our use of upcycled lithium-ion batteries also lowers our environmental impact by not requiring net-new mining of critical resources.
What’s your dream classic car to convert?
I’d love to convert a classic Land Rover Defender. I have a soft spot for classic 4x4s.
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