UAE transport provide Emirates Transport is set to initiate pilot testing of hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles supplied by Al Ghurair Motors. This initiative is part of a newly established agreement aimed at accelerating the adoption of environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), revealed at Gitex Global 2024—the largest tech event globally—marks a collaborative effort between Emirates Transport and Al Ghurair Motors to explore and promote alternative-fuel commercial vehicles.
Assessing viability and innovation
This partnership will assess the viability of these sustainable vehicles and implement pilot projects for their deployment, with the goal of fostering innovation and positioning the UAE as a frontrunner in sustainable transportation technologies. The testing of hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles is a pivotal move toward integrating hydrogen technology into Emirates Transport’s national fleet.
Commitment to green fuel integration
As the UAE’s leading provider of school transport, vehicle rentals, and other public transport services—operating over 32,000 vehicles—Emirates Transport recognizes that incorporating green fuel is essential to its strategy. This initiative further aligns with the UAE’s ambition to transition 50 percent of all vehicles on the road to electric by 2050. Additionally, hydrogen-powered vehicles are being championed as a crucial step in reducing transportation emissions, contributing to the UAE’s strategic aim of achieving net zero by 2050.
Pilot projects for diverse clients
In addition, the pilot projects will involve hydrogen and electric-powered commercial vehicles, catering to Emirates Transport’s clientele across business, government, and public sectors. The long-term vision is to progressively integrate more alternative-fuel vehicles into the fleet.
Training and technical support
Moreover, under the MoU, Al Ghurair Motors, in collaboration with the manufacturer, will provide comprehensive technical training to Emirates Transport staff, equipping them with the essential skills to operate and maintain the hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles.
Infrastructure readiness
Additionally, Emirates Transport has over 46 workshops across the UAE. All will be equipped to maintain these vehicles. Also, mechanics will be trained to support the integration and expansion of these advanced technologies.
Joint commitment to development
The partnership also includes a joint commitment to develop necessary infrastructure. This includes electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen fueling technologies to support the pilot projects. There are aspirations for future scalability as well.
Shared goals for sustainability
Moreover, Dominic Hagerty, chief transport and lease officer at Emirates Transport, stated that the MoU marks a new era of collaboration. This partnership aims to introduce eco-friendly transport solutions on UAE roads, he noted.
Furthermore, Oscar Rivoli, chief executive officer of Al Ghurair Motors, highlighted the importance of advanced sustainable commercial vehicles in achieving the UAE’s net-zero targets.
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