Lucas Bellieud to ArabWheels: “EVs beat petrol in UAE heat and distance.”
At ArabWheels, we keep hearing the same burning EV questions from our readers: price, resale value, performance in the UAE heat, and real-world charging. To get straight answers, we went to the top. We secured an exclusive interview with Lucas Bellieud, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, the man behind BYD, Polestar, and Denza in the UAE.
Here are the no-filter answers you asked for:
Q: A brief introduction of yourself, and tell us how your journey with BYD began?
Lucas Bellieud: Of course. My name is Lucas Bellieud, and I am the Managing Director for Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, where I lead the Group’s rapidly expanding New Energy Vehicle business.
With more than 25 years of global automotive leadership, my career has been dedicated to driving transformation across commercial, operational, and customer-focused roles.
My journey with BYD began earlier this year, when I was entrusted with spearheading the brand’s growth in the UAE – an opportunity to play a central role in a once-in-a-generation mobility shift and introduce a new wave of innovative NEV brands and products to the region.
This includes BYD, Polestar, the recently launched Denza, and even more exciting additions coming in 2026, as we continue shaping the future of electric mobility in the UAE.
Q: Many ArabWheels users are interested in used EVs. How do you protect the resale value of BYD and Polestar cars?
Lucas Bellieud: Protecting the long-term resale value of our electric vehicles is a core priority for us. BYD’s vehicles, for example, are built around advanced innovations such as the Blade Battery, one of the safest and most durable EV batteries in the world, which ensures stable performance and longevity years down the line.
Polestar follows the same philosophy, combining Scandinavian engineering with high-quality components designed for long-term value retention.
Beyond the products themselves, we safeguard resale value through comprehensive after-sales services, transparent maintenance programs, and robust warranty coverage that give our customers confidence and peace of mind throughout the ownership journey.
Together, these measures create a strong foundation that supports long-term vehicle value and reinforces trust in the brands.
Q: When do you think half of all new cars sold in the UAE will be electric or plug-in hybrid? What is Al‑Futtaim Electric Mobility doing to reach that goal?
Lucas Bellieud: The UAE is moving at an exceptional pace, and at Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, our role is to help streamline that shift by introducing a diverse range of EV and hybrid models from BYD, Polestar, and Denza.
This includes accessible solutions across super hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and full EVs – designed to meet current customer needs and offer the flexibility that UAE drivers expect.
Q: When will we see an affordable electric family car in the UAE – under AED 120,000 -that’s better value than a Corolla or Civic? What compromises would buyers need to make?
Lucas Bellieud: At Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, we don’t believe that consumers must make compromises when choosing a car.
We aim to provide families and individuals with premium technology, safety, and comfort without having to pay the extra cost.
For instance, our models, such as Seal and Qin Plus, are comfortable sedans packed with features. We also provide SUVs in a similar price range, such as Song Plus, Atto 3, and Sealion 7.
Q: Dubai and other emirates are adding ultra-fast chargers for taxis and buses. What fleet partnerships are you working on, and how does this help private EV owners?
Lucas Bellieud: Fleet partnerships are a cornerstone of our strategy at Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility.
For instance, supplying BYD vehicles like the SEAL sedan to Dubai Taxi Corporation highlights our commitment to serving large fleets while showcasing BYD’s capability to meet high standards of reliability and performance.
These partnerships help bring broader visibility and confidence to EV adoption across the UAE.
We also partnered with UDrive, a leading on-demand car rental service, where we supply a range of our hybrid electric vehicles to their New Energy Vehicles fleet with a goal of supporting the UAE’s sustainability goals.
Q: What’s the biggest misconception UAE drivers have about EVs? And what would you say to a petrol-car owner in 30 seconds to convince them to switch?
Lucas Bellieud: The biggest misconception is that EVs can’t keep up with everyday life in the UAE, whether that’s long distances, high temperatures, or charging availability.
“Our EVs give you more power, lower running costs, and zero fuel stops – all with the comfort, technology, and reliability you’re already used to. They’re smoother, quieter, and far more efficient. Once you try one, you’ll never want to go back.”
Q: What is Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility doing to make EVs more sustainable, like recycling batteries, reusing old batteries, using renewable energy, and lowering carbon emissions?
Lucas Bellieud: Sustainability sits at the heart of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility. With BYD, that commitment is built into the product as well as the ecosystem around it.
BYD’s Blade Battery technology is engineered for durability and safety, helping extend battery life while raising the benchmark for occupant protection and reliability.
But sustainability doesn’t stop at what goes into the vehicle; it’s about what happens across the full lifecycle.
That’s why, together with our partners, we are actively exploring and shaping end-to-end solutions to support responsible battery reuse and recycling.
From enabling second-life applications to strengthening circular-economy pathways, our focus is on ensuring that valuable materials stay in use for longer and that environmental impact is reduced at every stage.
Equally important is how we help customers transition confidently to electric. Building trust through quality, transparent ownership experiences, and support infrastructure is essential to accelerating adoption.
By combining innovative technology, responsible lifecycle planning, and a long-term view of electrification, we’re ensuring our journey toward electric mobility is not only exciting but genuinely sustainable for the UAE.
Q: With more Chinese premium EVs in the Gulf, how will Denza and YANGWANG stand out, and what makes them better than other brands?
Lucas Bellieud: Denza and YANGWANG are built to redefine premium EVs through a mix of innovation and refined design. YANGWANG delivers luxury and style with advanced EV systems, making it an exceptional choice for high-end customers.
Denza, on the other hand, pairs rugged durability with cutting-edge technology, such as plug-in off-road systems, making it ideal for diverse GCC needs. These brands embody our dedication to combining safety, performance, and elegance.
Conclusion
Lucas Bellieud left no doubt: the technology is ready, the prices are dropping fast, the infrastructure is growing daily, and the driving experience beats petrol in every way. With BYD, Polestar, Denza, and other brands arriving in 2026, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility is ensuring the UAE leads the electric revolution.
If you have any other questions, drop them in the comments below. Keep following the Arabwheels Blog for more exclusive content like this.