Economic Group Holdings’ subsidiary Arabia Taxi LLC Dubai has inked an exclusive deal with Tesla Motors Dubai as it aims to acquire 269 Model 3s and add them to its fleet.
UAE English Newspaper Gulf Today via PressReader noted that the Group owns the biggest fleet in the UAE, with approximately 6,000 taxi vehicles.
Purpose
The move apparently aligns with the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) plan to replace all taxis in the emirate, including those operated by Dubai Taxi and franchise businesses, with 100% environmentally friendly (hybrid, electric, and hydrogen) cars by 2027.
Board of Directors Chairman Sheikh Majid bin Hamad Al Qasimi claims that 83% of its Dubai fleet is now using hybrid engine technology, Gulf Business reports.
“The company is working on a strategic plan to convert the remaining vehicles into fully electric cars, and is considering the possibility of using hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future. It is looking forward to expanding its cooperation with Tesla and a number of electric car manufacturers, to offer its clients diversified sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options. The company hopes to play a leading role in promoting the transformation of the public and private transport industry towards a sustainable one, and reducing the environmental impact of commercial activity in the UAE and the whole region.”
Sheikh Majid bin Hamad Al Qasimi, Board of Directors Chairman
The Public Transport Agency CEO also stated that the move would aid UAE in establishing a sustainable ecosystem through clean mobility.
“This step confirms the efforts of Arabia Taxi… to rationalise the use of energy in the UAE, and to create a safe, clean and sustainable environment that lives up to the level of reputation and prestige of the emirate of Dubai, as well as promoting the Dubai government’s initiative to introduce green vehicles for a cleaner environment.”
Ahmed Bahrozyan, Public Transport Agency CEO at the RTA
Positive impact
Teslas had already been utilized in Dubai’s public transportation system. As part of its more upscale limousine fleet, the RTA began operating 172 Tesla vehicles in 2017. These included 80 Tesla Model S, 50 Tesla Model X, and 42 Tesla Model 3 vehicles.
The RTA noted positive operational efficiency metrics, particularly in the areas of zero carbon emissions and high customer satisfaction.
Due to the successful pilot project, the Dubai government plans to use more hybrid and electric cars in the city’s taxi fleet in the future.
See Also:
- Tesla’s Elon Musk to attend World Government Summit 2023 in Dubai
- Uber launches service with Electric Car made by Tesla
- Tesla Model 3 is the “most sought-after EV” around the globe
- Tesla Model 3 has the highest used car discount
- 2023 Tesla Model 3 – Review, Pricing, and Specifications
By the end of 2022, Dubai had more than 11,300 operating taxis, 8,220 of which were green. This figure indicates that 83 percent of Arabia Taxi’s fleet is powered by hybrid technology.
