Lebanon is preparing to launch its first solar-powered smart taxi, “Lira Taxi,” a locally built electric vehicle by engineer Hisham Houssami that blends AI safety, accessibility, and cashless payments.
Lebanon’s first smart solar taxi is ready to launch
Lebanon’s first smart solar taxi is ready to launch
By The Beiruter | January 27, 2026
Reading time: 3 min
Soon to hit the streets, “Lira Taxi” is being introduced as Lebanon’s first smart, solar-powered taxi, designed and manufactured locally. The project is led by engineer Hisham Houssami, known for pioneering Lebanon’s first electric car in 2022.
In an exclusive interview with The Beiruter, Houssami says the goal is a complete reimagining of transport that is environmentally friendly, economically fair, and human-centered. When you enter Lira Taxi, you’re not entering a regular taxi,” Houssami says. “You’re entering a smart, humane, and safe transport experience that was designed to think about every passenger.”
Electric cars to a smart taxi network
Houssami explains that the idea grew naturally out of years spent developing electric and solar-powered vehicles. “We’ve been working for a while on manufacturing electric cars and continuously developing them,” he tells The Beiruter. “Recently, we decided to focus specifically on taxis that operate on solar energy and are smart at the same time.”
The motivation, he says, was practical as much as environmental. With fuel prices remaining volatile, transportation costs have become a heavy burden for both passengers and drivers.
“This project benefits the country, the citizen, and the red-plate taxi driver,” he explains. “The car is environmentally friendly, it lowers transportation costs for passengers, and it increases the driver’s income because they no longer have the burden of fuel costs.”
What makes “Lira taxi” different?
At first glance, Lira Taxi looks like a technological leap more commonly associated with global mobility startups than Lebanon’s roads. Each vehicle is fully electric, supported by flexible solar panels to reduce energy consumption. Inside, the focus is on comfort and accessibility: free Wi-Fi, individual seating, a spacious interior, a water fridge with complimentary bottles, and a 15-inch Android screen mounted on the ceiling.
But what truly sets the taxi apart is its smart infrastructure. “Everything inside the car is designed to remove friction,” Houssami says. A real-time voice translation system supports over 80 languages, instantly translating conversations between passenger and driver.
“The passenger speaks their own language, it’s translated directly into Arabic, and Arabic is translated back into their language,” he explains. “There’s no longer a language barrier inside the car.”
In addition, each car operates on a smart meter, calculating fares based on distance and issuing a detailed receipt at the end of the trip. Payment can be made electronically via credit cards, another first for Lebanese taxis.
The vehicles are also equipped with internal cameras and AI-powered safety systems. “We included AI monitoring screens to ensure passenger safety when entering and exiting the car,” Houssami says.
A QR code inside the vehicle allows passengers to instantly access the driver’s name, contact details, and vehicle information without needing to ask.The system also monitors driver behavior, issuing alerts for drowsiness, lack of focus, seatbelt violations, or smoking inside the vehicle.
Designed for people first
Beyond technology, Houssami insists the project’s core is human dignity, especially for passengers often overlooked in transport planning.
“We fully equipped the car for people with special needs,” he says. Lira Taxi includes dedicated ramps for wheelchair users and a sliding system designed for mothers with strollers, allowing them to enter the car with their child and stroller intact, without lifting, dismantling, or discomfort. “The mother, the child, and the stroller can all get in together, easily,” he explains.
When will it launch?
According to Houssami, the first prototype is already complete. “The car is already ready,” he confirms. An official announcement is expected in early February, after which images and videos of the vehicle will be released publicly. The initial rollout will begin with a single prototype, followed by expansion based on feedback and demand. “We started with one car to test it and see the public’s reaction,” he says. “Then we’ll scale up.” Applications for eligible taxi owners to purchase the vehicles are expected to open shortly after the launch.
A Lebanese vision for smart mobility
Lira Taxi offers a narrative where local manufacturing, sustainability, and smart design intersect. “Advanced national manufacturing proves that Lebanese innovation can compete with global transport companies,” Houssami says. “And it can place Lebanon at the heart of the future of smart mobility.” For the first time in a long while, the future of transport in Lebanon is being imagined, right at home.
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The Beiruter
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