Electric buses take to Dubai streets in sustainability push

Dubai is trialling electric buses as the city seeks to become more sustainable.

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will run two electric buses between La Mer South, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Street and Al Sufouh Tram Station until March 2022.

#RTA has launched a trial run of two electric buses, branded Volvo 7900. The two buses will shuttle on a specific path in both directions between La Mer South, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Street and Al Sufouh Tram Station. https://t.co/6pqh6VIL3f pic.twitter.com/KO4i2tNZZM

— RTA (@rta_dubai) November 13, 2021

This will allow drivers to familiarise themselves with the electric buses, charging and their operational systems.

These vehicles have a range of 200 km with a standing electric charging station at La Mer.

Meanwhile, overnight charging is available at Al Quoz when the buses are out of service for the day.

The charging system uses ‘Opportunity Charging’ technology, which supports both pantographs using a standing arm, and cables connecting direct and alternate currents (DC and AC).

Video: RTA launches trial operation of two electric buses fitted with Opportunity Charging technology, which is experimented for the first time in #Dubai. Buses are charged by a standing electric charger supplied by ABB Group at La Mer South.@ABBMiddleEast pic.twitter.com/BfXprq3uc0

— RTA (@rta_dubai) November 13, 2021

These buses have 38 seats, three foldable seats, space for People of Determination, and an interactive display screen.

“The project is a unique example of integrated efforts of government departments as well as Public-Private Partnership (PPP),” said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.

RTA coordinated the launch with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Volvo, Meraas Real Estate, and ABB Group.

In a real-use situation, indoor bus stops can become a reality owing to the bus' lack of emissions and noise, according to Manish Sahi, Vice President of the Volvo Bus Corporation.

In the same push to sustainable mobility, the authority converted 50 per cent of the total taxi fleet into hybrid vehicles in 2020.

It intends to convert the entire taxi fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles by 2027.