The Abu Dhabi government has recently taken another major step towards turning the capital into a more eco-friendly and greener city. With an aim to reduce the carbon footprint even further, the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi has announced the introduction of electric-powered buses in Abu Dhabi.
Cutting down the fuel requirements while promising more comfort to the passengers, these electric buses are an extremely welcome addition to the capital’s transportation system. Here is all you need to know about these electric buses in Abu Dhabi.
Electric Buses – An Initiative for Green Public Transport in Abu Dhabi
Launched in February, the fully electric powered buses in Abu Dhabi mark a substantial step towards the wider sustainability goals of the UAE and Abu Dhabi TMM strategy 2030. Now a part of the capital’s public transport, these fast-charging electric buses in Abu Dhabi only take 20 minutes to fully recharge. This characteristic makes them a viable alternative to mass transportation and a greener public transportation option. These fuel-saving buses in Abu Dhabi run on Lithium Titanate Oxide (LTO) batteries. These batteries have a lifespan of 25+ years with each battery having a capacity to run for 100 km.
The project is a result of a successful collaboration between Yinlong Energy, Emirates Global Motor Electric and AL Fahim Group. Throwing light on the overall efforts of Abu Dhabi to emerge as an eco-friendly emirate, the head of business development at Al Fahim Group, Mohammed Abdulla Abdul Jaleel Al Fahim was quoted as saying:
“Abu Dhabi has always been a pioneer in incorporating state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly technologies into its infrastructure and operations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in its public transport services.”
He further added, “We at Al Fahim are committed to investing resources to implement and accelerate the sustainability agenda of the UAE leadership.”
Proud to play a significant role in introducing the green buses in the Emirate, the Al Fahim Group is hopeful to roll out even more of these buses around the country. The director of strategy at Yinlong Energy Middle East, Satish V. Dulipati has similar hopes of expanding this technology worldwide.
Abu Dhabi Electric Buses for UAE’s Sustainable Development
The rolling out of a fleet of zero-emission buses is in line with the UAE’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These electric buses offer environmentally friendly transportation and will significantly reduce the country’s overall carbon footprint – an effort most countries are making in wake of the climate change threat.
Each of these zero-emission buses replacing a diesel bus will cut down emissions for 27 passenger cars for 1 year and reduce the usage of diesel fuel by 12,000 gallons in a 10-year period. This proves their value as a sustainable transportation option.
The Abu Dhabi Electric Bus Experience
The electric buses are not only environmentally friendly but are also created to offer comfort to the passengers. With air-conditioners rated T3, the buses will function at high temperatures. These buses had already been tested for their charging capacities and battery performance during the hot summers of 2020 with success.
While the initial cost of the project was AED 5 million, it is likely to increase to AED 25 million according to Bilal Ezzedeen AlRibi, general manager, Emirates Global Motor Electric. The major cost to cover once the buses are functional include infrastructure, personnel, training and learning. He further believes that UAE will be home to at least 100 electric buses by the year 2022. The Abu Dhabi electric bus fare is yet to be revealed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are these Abu Dhabi electric buses air-conditioned?
Yes, the buses are air-conditioned with T 3 rating and can function in the sweltering heat of the UAE at the temperature of 50°C and more. These have been tested in the summers of 2020.
What is the lifespan of an LTO run electric bus?
These fast-charging buses have LTO batteries that can last for more than 25 years.
Wile public transport buses in Abu Dhabi offer an excellent transportation option to people, which a majority avail as well, in most cases, buying a car becomes inevitable. Since electric vehicles are making waves in the market in general due to their zero-emission popularity, buying one will be a service to the climate.
No doubt the introductory price tags for electric cars are slightly higher, have a look at these listings of used electric and hybrid cars at affordable rates:
This is all about the introduction of electric buses in Abu Dhabi. To stay updated and learn about the newest development and news related to cars, stay tuned to the UAE’s top blog.
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