Emirates Transport has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al Ghurair Motors to pilot test hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles.
The agreement was announced during GITEX Global 2024, one of the world’s largest technology events.
The collaboration between Emirates Transport and Al Ghurair Motors focuses on integrating alternative-fuel commercial vehicles into the UAE’s transport ecosystem, aligning with the UAE’s broader sustainability goals.
The pilot testing will evaluate the viability of hydrogen and electric vehicles in Emirates Transport’s extensive fleet, which currently operates over 32,000 vehicles across the UAE.
The initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with the transport sector playing a crucial role in the nation’s decarbonization strategy.
The government has set an ambitious target to ensure that 50% of all vehicles on UAE roads are electric by 2050, and this pilot program represents a critical milestone toward that goal.
Hydrogen and electric vehicles are increasingly seen as key solutions in reducing carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Hydrogen-powered vehicles, in particular, are gaining traction globally due to their potential for longer ranges and quick refueling times compared to electric vehicles (EVs), while also emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.
The partnership will test hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles as well as battery-electric models, serving a range of Emirates Transport’s clients, including businesses, government entities, and public sector services.
Dominic Hagerty, Chief Transport and Lease Officer at Emirates Transport, said: “This collaboration marks a new era of eco-friendly transport solutions for the UAE. The research and feasibility studies we will conduct with Al Ghurair Motors demonstrate our mutual commitment to governmental sustainability goals and will help set the stage for future policy development and national infrastructure advancements.”
The pilot projects will examine both the performance of these vehicles in the UAE’s demanding climate and road conditions, as well as their economic feasibility for large-scale deployment.
One of the critical aspects of the MoU is the development of infrastructure to support the adoption of hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles. Al Ghurair Motors will provide comprehensive technical training for Emirates Transport staff, ensuring that their teams are equipped with the necessary skills to operate and maintain these advanced vehicles.
Emirates Transport, which manages over 46 workshops across the UAE, will retrofit the facilities to support hydrogen and electric vehicle maintenance. This infrastructure development will be a cornerstone in the successful transition to green transport, providing the necessary support for scaling up operations in the future.
Oscar Rivoli, CEO of Al Ghurair Motors, expressed confidence in the role of sustainable commercial vehicles in helping the UAE meet its environmental targets. “Advanced hydrogen and electric vehicles will be pivotal in reducing transport emissions. We are thrilled to collaborate with Emirates Transport, not only to test these technologies but also to ensure the training and infrastructure are in place to support this transition.”
This collaboration comes at a time when the UAE is intensifying its efforts to position itself as a leader in the global energy transition. The government’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and Vision 2030 initiatives highlight the importance of reducing dependence on fossil fuels while investing in clean technologies such as hydrogen and electric power.
Globally, hydrogen fuel is gaining momentum as a key element in the energy mix, particularly in sectors where electrification is challenging.
In the UAE, hydrogen is viewed as a strategic resource that could diversify the country’s energy exports while also decarbonizing critical industries like transportation and heavy manufacturing.
The introduction of hydrogen and electric vehicles into the UAE’s commercial transport fleet is expected to not only contribute to the nation’s environmental objectives but also drive economic diversification and job creation, as the green technology sector expands.
