Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Al-Futtaim Automotive to deploy 360 vehicles, including electric and hybrid variants, for use in Dubai’s key conferences and events over a three-year period.
As part of the agreement, which supports RTA’s sustainable transport network and the ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050′ strategy, RTA’s official mobility partner will also provide assistance for further building the Authority’s electric charging technology and infrastructure.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the UITP Global Public Transport Summit in Barcelona by Mr. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, and Mr. Paul Willis, President of Al-Futtaim Automotive, in the presence of several high-ranking officials from both organizations.
Matar Mohammed Al Tayer Director-General, Chairman – RTA
“The partnership supports the UAE’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, a goal that is consistent with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The D33 strategy seeks to cement Dubai’s position as one of the world’s top urban economies by fostering stronger ties with the private sector. This agreement forms part of implementing the ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050′ strategy aimed at fully transitioning all buses, taxis and limousines to zero-emissions vehicles. RTA aims to convert 100 percent of its public buses to electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2050, and transform 100 percent of its taxis to electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2040.”
Mr. Al Tayer attributed the progress and advancements made in Dubai’s public transportation over the past 18 years to the support and follow-up of the leadership. “RTA has successfully developed an integrated and sustainable mass transit system. The network has increased the proportion of trips taken using mass and shared transportation modes from a mere 6 percent in 2006 to a significant 19.4 percent in 2022.”
Mr. Willis, said that “As a pioneering mobility group in the UAE, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration to drive the industry and society forward. This belief is reinforced by our partnership with RTA, and we take pride in serving as RTA’s Strategic Mobility Partner for mega events, which expedites the ‘Zero-Emission Public Transportation in Dubai 2050 Strategy’.”
As part of the three-year partnership agreement, Al-Futtaim Automotive will supply a total of 360 electric and hybrid vehicles and buses, including 10 electric buses, 250 electric vehicles, and 100 hybrid vehicles.
Al-Futtaim Automotive will also provide the necessary infrastructure for electric charging that includes 10 electric charging units capable of both direct and alternating current. Furthermore, the Group will provide technical support for operational activities, electric mobility, and advanced technology utilization specific to the electric fleet.
Vovlo electric buses
Al-Futtaim Automotive will supply 10 electric buses, including Volvo models, each outfitted with cutting-edge smart technologies. These buses feature an intuitive user interface that assists drivers in managing their routes by enabling efficient communication and data exchange through seamless integration with the vehicle systems. The smart bus is further equipped with an innovative passenger counting system that uses high-tech sensors to monitor the number of passengers entering and exiting the bus.
The bus has a designated spot for wheelchair users, thereby catering to people of determination. The buses have touch screens, providing drivers with real-time information on battery usage rate, door status, and temperature, as well as alerts and messages on the head-up display. They are also equipped with a one-of-a kind geographical navigation system that informs the driver about the environment and the suitability of the road for the bus.
Polestar 2 EV
The Polestar 2 electric vehicle is available in three distinct versions. The first has an electric motor producing 231 horsepower and a torque of 330 Newton meters, powered by a 69 kWh battery boasting a driving range of 444 km. The second version features a long-range single motor, a larger 78 kWh battery, and a further electric driving range of 542 km. The third version comes with two electric generators, four-wheel drive features, an overall power output of 408 horsepower, a torque of 660 Newton meters, and an electric driving range of 482 km.
BYD ATTO 3
The interior of the BYD ATTO 3 is a spacious and comfortable SUV with ample storage space for passengers and their luggage. With a 420 km range per single charge, it is an excellent choice for everyday use and city commuting. The vehicle has a number of sophisticated safety features, such as lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and front and rear collision alerts, as well as seven airbags. This ensures a safe driving experience for everyone.
BYD HAN
The BYD HAN, an electric sedan model with a range of 521 km per charge, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in just 3.9 seconds. It redefines safety standards for energy vehicles as it is the world’s first vehicle to use BYD’s ultra-safe Blade Battery, making it twice as safe compared to EVs using traditional ternary lithium battery packs. The HAN is powered by a “seven-dimensional quad-layer” safety matrix that offers the world’s safest battery safety system with its ability to remain stable at high temperatures.
