Success Stories
Celebrating Local Business Success
ARC Motor Company Reignites the Electric City
Client
ARC Motor Company
Owners
Sloane Paul and Tom Chep
Supported by
Community Futures Peterborough
ARC is a green-tech startup that transforms and upcycles iconic classic cars into modern, powerful electric vehicles. Dedicated to innovation and sustainability, ARC produces vehicles with the latest technology to deliver superior performance while contributing to a future with net-zero emissions.
Headed by CEO Sloane Paul, the first woman in North America to establish such a startup, ARC is redefining the intersection of tradition, innovation, and environmental consciousness.
The Problem
Canada is striving to meet ambitious net-zero emissions goals. The federal government drafted proposed regulations requiring at least 20 percent of vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2026, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2035. Any car older than 25 years remains gas-powered and is a significant contributor to emissions.
The Solution
ARC Motor Co addresses this challenge by restoring and converting classic vehicles to electric, upcycling lithium-ion batteries in the process. To help launch the company, Community Futures Peterborough provided a sizable loan and ongoing support.
“Not only are we grateful to the team at Community Futures Peterborough for providing us with a critical loan, but also for their invaluable expert advice and guidance. Their mentorship has been instrumental in steering us as a startup along the right path.”
– Sloane Paul, Founder and CEO of ARC Motor Co.
Implementation & Results
With Community Futures Peterborough’s support, Sloane and Tom restored and converted a 1974 Ford Bronco into a fully electric vehicle. Beyond electrification, ARC modernized the vehicle to today’s safety standards.
“It’s not just about preserving the past,” says Sloane. “We’re thinking about what we can do to keep these classic cars on the road. Safety standards have changed, so we’re enhancing the classics with disc brakes, power steering, and other features. This way, these cars can be enjoyed by future generations.”
Conclusion
“Rebuilding classic cars with clean technology is a new and exciting way to drive the future of net-zero transportation,” says the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Supporting entrepreneurs like Sloane and Tom so they can bring their incredible ideas to Canadians is exactly how our government will grow the economy and fight climate change.”
“Small-town businesses create very big ideas,” says Bryan May, Member of Parliament for Cambridge and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “ARC Motor Company is an example of how great ideas get off the ground with the right supports. Our government works with businesses and the organizations like Community Futures Peterborough that support them, as they find new and innovative ways to contribute to a strong economic future for Ontario and all of Canada.”
Do you have a dream to start your own business or need support to take it to the next level?
Community Futures Peterborough can help.
Get in touch with us at 705-745-5434 to learn more about our programs and funding opportunities.
