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Low-Cost Electric Scooter Will Be Produced in Ceará, in a Unit Near the Port of Pecém, Promising to Generate Jobs, Reduce Logistics Timelines, and Strengthen Urban Micromobility in the Northeast.
Caucaia, in the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, is set to receive an assembly unit from Duact Motors, a manufacturer of electric scooters that sells models starting at R$ 8,900.
The company is considering centralizing all national production in the municipality, which is currently scattered across Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, and promises to generate up to 50 direct jobs and 150 indirect jobs once operations are underway.
Assembly in Caucaia and Centralization Plan
The company is evaluating unifying the industrial process in Ceará, according to João Batista, Duact’s director in the Northeast.
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The new plant will be installed in the Catuana region, near the Pecém Complex, and is expected to serve as a base for assembling all models sold in the country.
While the final decision is yet to be announced, the strategy under consideration aims for the Ceará facility to absorb stages currently carried out in other locations, achieving economies of scale and logistical simplification.
Logistics via Pecém and Delivery Timelines
The Port of Pecém is one of the main attractions of the project.
According to the company, importing components through the Ceará terminal could reduce delivery times by up to 18 days compared to the route via Itajaí, in Santa Catarina.
The proximity between the port and the future assembly line is also highlighted as a factor for decreasing operational costs and accelerating the supply of the network.
Jobs and Construction Schedule
The City Hall of Caucaia reports that the expectation is to start construction of the unit by the end of 2025.
The projected job generation considers vacancies in both the direct and indirect chain, such as logistics, suppliers, and services.
The investment amount has not yet been finalized and will depend on negotiations with the Government of Ceará for granting tax incentives aimed at industrialization and installation in the municipality.
Tax Negotiation and Return Freight
Duact is seeking a competitive tax arrangement to enable centralization in the state.
“We will have a reduction in ICMS and will try to match it to the state of Santa Catarina, which is currently quite reduced.
We will also have an advantage in what we call return freight.
The freight from Ceará to the south is cheaper than coming from Santa Catarina to Ceará,” claims João Batista.
According to him, the combination of incentives and logistics could make operations in the Northeast more efficient than the current distributed configuration.
What is the Electric Scooter and Where Does It Operate
Electric scooters, also called scooters, fall into the category of self-propelled vehicles.
According to traffic laws, there is no requirement for a Driver’s License, nor for registration, licensing, or plate issuance, as long as they meet the prescribed requirements for this type of equipment.
The speed is limited to 32 km/h, and the vehicles must have a speedometer, bell, night signaling, and mirror to operate regularly on authorized roads.
Autonomy, Batteries, and Proposed Use
Duact reports that its models achieve up to 90 km of autonomy, with three battery options available.
The brand positions scooters as solutions for micromobility for short trips and urban commuting, similar to scooters.
João Batista highlights that the target audience includes workers who live a few kilometers from their jobs and consumers who perform everyday tasks nearby.
“It’s a vehicle that will serve that employee who works about 12 kilometers from home, goes to a store nearby, and usually takes the bus,” says the executive.
Nationalization of Components and Next Steps
One of the ongoing studies addresses the nationalization of parts of the product.
Currently, tires and batteries are already supplied by manufacturers based in Brazil, while the remainder of the parts continues to be imported.
The plan being analyzed by Duact envisions that the Caucaia unit, initially focused on assembly, could evolve into a factory with a higher percentage of local content, reducing external dependence and strengthening the regional supply chain.
Workforce Development and Educational Partnership
The municipal administration and the company have agreed to prioritize local workforce in the future operation.
According to Deuzinho Filho, Secretary of Economic Development of Caucaia, there is a commitment with the Federal Institute of Ceará (IFCE) to train workers in roles related to the assembly and maintenance of electric vehicles.
This measure aims to align qualifications with industrial demands and increase opportunities for residents of the city.
Perspective of an Automotive and Micromobility Hub
The installation of Duact is seen as the first step toward forming a micromobility and automotive hub in the municipality.
The secretary aims to attract other manufacturers and producers of motorcycles and tricycles, leveraging productive density, logistical infrastructure, and the availability of trained labor.
The idea is for component and service suppliers to join the ecosystem, increasing the region’s competitiveness and consolidating Ceará on the map of light electric mobility.
Local Impact and Upcoming Announcements
As the definition of the incentive package progresses, the city hall and the company address operational issues, such as permits, plant layout, and implementation schedule.
The location in Catuana facilitates integration with the Pecém Complex, enhancing synergies with terminals, warehouses, and logistics operators.
In addition to job creation, the chain is expected to involve transporters, workshops, and specialized businesses, amplifying the economic impact in the vicinity.
Gradual Innovation and Possible New Products
Duact, currently focused on urban scooters, does not rule out expanding into the segment of electric motorcycles in the future, but conditions any expansion on market performance and the maturity of the industrial base.
For now, the priority is to consolidate regional assembly, ensure parts supply, and adjust the sales and service network, which are viewed as crucial for maintaining an entry price of R$ 8,900 and a declared autonomy of 90 km.
The strengthening of micromobility with a manufacturing line in Ceará, accessible entry prices, and clear circulation rules could change the routine of short commutes in cities; would you use a limited electric scooter at 32 km/h to replace part of your daily journey?
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