In terms of converting ICE to EV SUV
Automotive history has been made in the heart of the Middle East as Fuse, a Dubai-based clean-tech startup, presents the world’s first fully electric Nissan Patrol Y60 SUV, converted from an internal combustion engine (ICE) to an electric powertrain.
Fuse’s innovation arrives at a pivotal time. With the UAE ramping up efforts to meet net-zero emissions targets by 20250 and regional investment in clean mobility growing rapidly, the demand for sustainable transport alternatives is at an all-time high.
Nissan launched the Y60 ICE series in 1987 and is reputed across the Middle East, Africa, and Australia for its robustness and rugged design. Thanks to its solid ladder-frame chassis, live axles front and rear, and coil springs offering exceptional articulation and off-road performance, the Y60 ICE series is reputed for its robustness and rugged design.
Fuse has now transformed a stock Y60 ICE 4×4 into an electric vehicle (EV) that not only preserves the original Y60 range’s legacy but reportedly surpasses its original ICE performance as a Nissan stock vehicle.
A world-first
Converted from ICE to EV at Fuse’s facility in Dubai Investment Park, the Patrol EV is the only modified electric version worldwide. It delivers 600 horsepower through a high-performance motor, making it the fastest off-road electric classic SUV today. It’s an electrified beast designed with sustainability at its core, capable of tackling the Middle East’s harsh terrain and blistering heat.
Fuse began the conversion project with a vision: to retain the soul of the Nissan Patrol while breathing new life into it through sustainable technology. This bold restoration started with a bare-metal strip-down. The vehicle was rebuilt using all-original parts and environmentally friendly materials, staying true to the SUV’s authentic aesthetic and robust engineering.
At the core of the transformation is a 110kWh liquid-cooled battery pack, developed in partnership with UK firm Fellten. This advanced battery system delivers up to 400km of driving range on a single charge. With CCS2 fast charging capabilities, the battery can charge from zero to 80% in under an hour, making it robust and practical for everyday and adventure use.
Middle East focus
According to Fuse, every detail of the Patrol EV has been engineered considering Middle Eastern conditions. No element has been overlooked from the upgraded ARB suspension for smoother off-road rides to the specially designed thermal cooling system that ensures peak performance in extreme heat.
The converted SUV features a rugged yet refined interior with vegan leather seating, updated power steering and braking systems, and Method Race Wheels for desert racing, rock crawling and off-roading wrapped in 34-inch Cooper tyres.
While it retains the timeless design of Nissan’s Y60 legacy generation, the Fuse Patrol EV outshines the original petrol-powered model in nearly every way. Its all-electric powertrain delivers instant torque and exceptional acceleration, offering drivers a level of performance that was previously unimaginable in a vehicle of this class and age.
The electric Patrol’s lighter frame and precisely tuned controllers—managed by AEM vehicle control units—mean superior handling and agility on urban roads and rugged off-road terrain.
The original Y60’s boxy, utilitarian styling and minimal electronics make it a favourite among overlanders and 4×4 enthusiasts. The Nissan Y60 came with various diesel and petrol engines, including the popular TD42 inline-six diesel, praised for its reliability.
Fuse CEO and co-founder Salman Hussain said: “This was one of the most challenging yet rewarding projects we have ever undertaken. We are immensely proud of the result. This extraordinary new powertrain combines the classic aura of the Nissan Patrol with unparalleled performance. It proves that even legends can play a role in the region’s drive toward sustainability, without losing the identity that made them great.”
What sets Fuse apart in the automotive retrofit world is its local-first approach. Every aspect of the electric Patrol—from design and engineering to final assembly—was completed in the UAE.
With growing demand for EVs that do not compromise on style or performance, Fuse aims to electrify more classics in the future. By breathing new life into legacy ICE vehicles, the company offers car enthusiasts and sustainability advocates a new path forward.
This follows a growing trend among UK- and UAE-based startups offering ICE to EV conversion services.
According to Fuse, the key benefits of retrofitting an ICE vehicle to an EV are to preserve the character of a classic vehicle, while future-proofing against fuel bans and regulations, and enjoying instant torque, low maintenance, and
zero emissions.
Hero image: Fuse’s exhibit of the fully electric Patrol Y60 4×4 at an event in Dubai. Credit: Fuse
