The UAE is making significant strides towards achieving its goal of a sustainable future, and the public transport sector is at the forefront of this drive. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are now rolling out electric-powered taxis, as they gradually shift away from petrol vehicles, as part of their efforts to hit net zero emission goals by 2050.
Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre and public taxi franchisee, Arabia Taxi Transportation, have partnered to put five Tesla vehicles on the capital’s roads this month. This news came only days after Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority revealed that it was adding 10 Tesla Model 3 cars to its taxi fleet. Furthermore, in July, Dubai’s RTA announced that it would be adding Model 3 saloons to Dubai Taxi Corporation’s operations.
This shift away from petrol vehicles is a vital component of the UAE’s efforts to reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2050. In 2021, Dubai’s transport authority operated two Volvo V900 electrics to support the country’s sustainability drive.
The introduction of electric vehicles to the taxi fleets of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Dubai is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions from vehicle exhausts and enhancing air quality, especially since taxis roam the streets of the emirates for several hours a day, seven days a week. The move also supports the Integrated Transport Centre’s efforts to transition towards environmentally friendly and sustainable transport, which further enhances the quality of life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The ITC representative said, “The operation of Tesla vehicles within the taxi fleet contributes to enhancing the role of the transport sector and supporting sustainable development goals defined by the emirate’s vision, while also strengthening the country’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 for a carbon-neutral future.”
