The UAE is making significant strides in its energy transition, aiming to reduce carbon emissions through innovative, clean technologies across all sectors. As one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the transportation sector plays a crucial role in this transformation.
In 2017, the UAE’s road transport emissions totaled 40.7 million tons of carbon dioxide, highlighting the urgency for a shift towards greener mobility. The country has implemented various initiatives to encourage the adoption of electric, hydrogen, and natural gas vehicles, alongside the promotion of mass transit systems.
Earlier this year, the UAE unveiled a plan to make public transport emission-free by 2050, making it the first country in the MENA region to develop a comprehensive zero-emission strategy for public transport and related infrastructure. The move is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV) is already in use among taxis, government, and private cars, supported by a government decree to convert 25% of government vehicles to NGV. While NGVs and hybrid vehicles are seen as transitional solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) are viewed as the future of green mobility.
Despite challenges such as high costs, limited charging infrastructure, and range anxiety, the UAE has made bold decisions to accelerate the adoption of EVs. The country has already converted 20% of its government fleet to electric vehicles and aims to have 42,000 EVs on its roads by 2030.
Currently, the UAE boasts over 240 EV charging stations, the highest concentration in the region. The “Green Charger” initiative, launched by the national authorities, is expanding charging infrastructure across the UAE, supporting the national Green Mobility Strategy 2030.
The growing popularity of EVs in the UAE is driven by government incentives, favorable financing options, and increased environmental awareness. As a result, the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in the UAE has surged, contributing to the country’s leadership in sustainable transportation.
The UAE’s commitment to green mobility offers numerous health, environmental, and economic benefits, aligning with the nation’s broader goals to improve the quality of life for its residents. The Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS) in Abu Dhabi provides a platform to showcase these advancements and encourage further participation in the country’s transition to a greener future.
Source: https://gulfnews.com/opinion/op-eds/how-uae-is-becoming-a-global-leader-in-electric-vehicles-1.81268329
