Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the trial run of the first electric hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle, Toyota Mirai, as part of the Dubai Taxi Fleet, in collaboration with Al Futtaim Motors.
The hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai will be on a trial run as the RTA continues to look for alternate fuel options as part of its sustainable transport strategy.
Last October, Al Futtaim Motors, in collaboration with Air Liquide, has opened the first hydrogen refilling station in the UAE at the Dubai Festival City. The opening of the station will facilitate the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles at a larger scale.
“RTA attaches paramount importance to protecting the environment and saving power consumption, and Safety and Environmental Sustainability is a strategic goal of RTA. This experiment is in line with the nation-wide initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in 2012 themed: ‘Green Economy for Sustainable Development.’ It also resonates the energy and low carbon strategy of the Dubai Government aimed at making Dubai a role model in the efficient power consumption, and low carbon emission. It is also in the context of RTA’s compliance with the master plan for reducing carbon emissions of taxis by 2% as stipulated by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and the Green Economy drive,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
In 2008, Dubai became the first city in the region to begin a trial of hybrid vehicles as taxis and now around 800 hybrid taxis operate in the city. Results have proved the economic and environmental feasibility of the experiment by saving fuel consumption by 30% and reducing carbon emission by 30% as well. RTA announced a plan to convert 50% of Dubai Taxicabs into hybrid vehicles by 2021. The Plan involves raising the number of hybrid taxis in Dubai to 4750 cabs in 2021.
