Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has taken a major step toward cleaner public transport with the arrival of the first 250 buses under a larger procurement programme of 735 new vehicles, including the UAE’s largest fleet of electric buses to date.
The initial delivery includes 40 electric buses, marking the first time such vehicles will operate at scale on Dubai’s urban routes. The remaining buses are scheduled for delivery by 2026. All vehicles comply with the Euro 6 European low carbon emissions standard.
Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, Mattar Al Tayer, inspected the Zhongtong electric bus, which has been custom built for Dubai’s operating conditions. The 12-metre bus can travel up to 280 kilometres on a single charge, allowing it to complete daily routes without mid day recharging. It carries up to 70 passengers and is powered by a 434 kilowatt hour battery supported by a high capacity charging system.
The electric bus underwent more than three months of testing in Dubai, recording strong results in energy efficiency, braking, cooling performance, and overall stability. Trials also achieved a 95 percent satisfaction rate among drivers and passengers.
Al Tayer said the initiative supports the leadership’s vision for a sustainable and flexible transport system aligned with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the UAE’s climate neutrality targets for 2050.
The wider contract includes city buses, double decker buses, and articulated buses designed for high density areas, all equipped with advanced safety systems, accessibility features, and smart technologies to enhance passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
