DUBAI: Abu Dhabi has launched the first fully electric passenger bus in the Middle East, as the UAE capital ramps up efforts to meet its clean energy target by 2021.
The all-electric Eco-Bus was jointly developed by green energy company Masdar, technology company Siemens, local bus manufacturer Hafilat and the emirate’s transport authority, a report from state news agency WAM said.
Masdar, wholly-owned by Abu Dhabi investment fund Mubadala Investment Company, has already invested $8.5 billion in renewable energy projects nationally and abroad. The electric bus is expected to help the country achieve its 27 percent clean energy target by 2021.
The Eco-Bus can seat up to 30 passengers, and every battery charge will last 150 kilometers. The vehicle uses solar panels to power the auxiliary systems, and is also specially designed to endure the heat and humidity in the country. The bus, which will offer free service until March, will operate on a six-stop route from Marina Mall and Masdar City.
The initiative was part of efforts to promote the use of sustainable and intelligent transport modes, and making it a part of the daily lives of public transport users, a statement from the developers said.
