Arabia Taxi in Dubai to add Tesla Model 3 vehicles to their fleet

In April, the Dubai-based subsidiary of Economic Group Holdings, Arabia Taxi LLC, signed an exclusive agreement with Tesla Motors - Dubai to incorporate 269 units of Tesla Model 3 cars to their taxi fleet.

With approximately 6,000 taxi vehicles, The Economic Group holds the record for owning the biggest fleet of private taxis in the UAE. The addition of the Tesla Model 3 cars marks a significant milestone in their efforts to transition their fleet into a completely electric and eco-friendly one.

Aligning with the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) plan to have all taxi vehicles in Dubai (including Dubai Taxi and franchise companies) operate solely on eco-friendly means of transportation, such as hybrids, electric, and hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2027, the move to incorporate the Tesla Model 3 cars into the fleet of Arabia Taxi LLC is a step in the right direction.

According to Sheikh Majid bin Hamad Al Qasimi, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Economic Group, the Dubai-based company's current fleet is comprised of 83% environmentally-friendly vehicles with hybrid engine technology.

Arabia Taxi aims to consider hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future

“The company is working on a strategic plan to convert the remaining vehicles into fully electric cars and is considering the possibility of using hydrogen-powered vehicles in the future. It is looking forward to expanding its cooperation with Tesla and a number of electric car manufacturers, to offer its clients diversified sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation options. The company hopes to play a leading role in promoting the transformation of the public and private transport industry towards a sustainable one, and reducing the environmental impact of commercial activity in the UAE and the whole region.”

Al Qasimi added.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, the CEO of the Public Transport Agency at the RTA, said:

“This step confirms the efforts of Arabia Taxi… to rationalize the use of energy in the UAE, and to create a safe, clean and sustainable environment that lives up to the level of reputation and prestige of the emirate of Dubai, as well as promoting the Dubai government’s initiative to introduce green vehicles for a cleaner environment.”

Going green

In order to achieve the goal of having 100% environmentally friendly taxi vehicles in Dubai by 2027, Bahrozyan highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts between the Roads and Transport Authority and franchise companies towards enhancing the electric transport infrastructure within the Emirate of Dubai. He emphasized that this fruitful partnership will play a crucial role in attaining the set objectives.

The decision by Arabia Taxi - Dubai to integrate Tesla Model 3 cars into its fleet is in line with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority's plan to minimize its carbon footprint and enhance the air quality in the emirate over the next five years, reflecting a strategic transformation towards eco-friendliness.

As a manifestation of its commitment to achieving the RTA's roadmap of transitioning towards emission-free public transport by 2050, the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) started trials of the Skywell electric vehicle as part of its limousine service in March.

To evaluate the feasibility of electric vehicles (EVs), the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) is conducting a trial period of several models of EVs produced by different companies to ensure optimal results. This trial period, which lasts for three months, involves testing the Skywell EV on Dubai roads to assess its features and its ability to operate within the DTC fleet.

Currently, around 72 percent of the taxi fleet operating in the emirate of Dubai has been converted to eco-friendly vehicles, including 8,221 hybrid vehicles. The Dubai Taxi Corporation has the highest number of eco-friendly vehicles, with hybrid cars making up more than 34 percent of its taxi fleet, followed by Cars Taxi, National Taxi, Arabia Taxi, and Metro Taxi.

Image Source: Gulf Business via Syndicate