Abu Dhabi pilot aims to accelerate electric last-mile delivery with battery swap stations

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) in Abu Dhabi has recently kicked off a pilot project in collaboration with talabat, aiming to accelerate the transition toward electric last-mile delivery. This initiative involves deploying a network of battery charging and swapping stations, along with creating dedicated parking zones for e-delivery vehicles, especially in high-demand areas across the emirate. According to the ITC, the purpose of this trial is to test different operational models that could, if successful, be rolled out more widely, helping delivery companies adopt electric fleets, cut emissions, and boost service reliability at the same time.

The joint announcement from ITC and talabat highlights that the focus is on two- and three-wheeled delivery vehicles, which are widely favored for final-mile logistics. The ITC shared that the pilot will include specialized infrastructure, a system that enables drivers to quickly exchange depleted batteries, which should reduce downtime significantly and allow longer operating hours each day. Moreover, the scheme will feature dedicated staging areas near busy commercial and residential districts, set up to fit into drivers’ routines and to improve both safety and convenience.

This partnership comes at a time when Abu Dhabi is actively pushing to promote electric mobility. A statement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office mentioned that both public and private sector contracts are underway to expand EV charging infrastructure across the area. The initial phase is expected to install about 1,000 new chargers at approximately 400 locations on Abu Dhabi Island, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. These investments are part of the broader effort to achieve sustainable mobility and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Talabat described this collaboration as part of its ongoing commitment to lowering the environmental impact of its deliveries. “Partnering with the ITC on this pilot is a key step in encouraging electric mobility in the delivery sector,” said the company’s head of public affairs and sustainability, in comments shared during the launch. They stressed that safety for drivers, operational efficiency, and reducing emissions are priorities for them.

The ITC representatives, meanwhile, see the pilot as both pragmatic and scalable. The acting executive director for planning and strategic affairs within the ITC mentioned that the project showcases the centre’s support for a low-emission and smart transportation ecosystem. The goal is to develop infrastructure that balances sustainability with operational needs. If the pilot hits its targets, the ITC indicated that the model could then expand to include other logistics providers operating within the emirate.

Designing the trial with input from users and real-world testing has been a key element. Both ITC and talabat have conducted on-the-ground trials and held consultation sessions with delivery drivers to gauge performance, range, comfort, and safety under actual operating conditions. Early insights from these efforts have informed decisions about battery capacities, swap station locations, and the layout of parking and charging zones, all aimed at minimizing disruptions for both drivers and customers.

The pilot aligns with other recent ITC projects aimed at fostering low-carbon mobility. The centre has announced partnerships with private companies to develop multi-modal charging solutions and introduce advanced electric mobility services. For example, one collaboration with GIGATONS focuses on building multi-vehicle charging hubs and developing innovations that could support autonomous and shared electric fleets. Additionally, ITC has been working on establishing an Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub in cooperation with Space42, Masdar City, and Emirates Driving Company, to evaluate and certify emerging smart mobility technologies.

Many industry analysts see the focus on last-mile electrification as very promising. Delivery fleets are considered an ideal starting point for reducing urban transport emissions because their routes tend to be predictable and concentrated. This makes strategies like battery swap stations and depot charging easier to implement than for private cars. Reports from Gulf News and Emirati Times note that testing swapping networks addresses well-known challenges, like range anxiety, turnaround times, and the high costs of batteries and vehicles.

Of course, some operational and financial questions still need to be addressed. Developing a scalable battery-swap ecosystem depends heavily on interoperability standards, robust battery management systems, and clear ownership or leasing arrangements for the batteries. The costs around maintenance, safety certifications, and establishing dense swap networks in city centers will ultimately influence whether this model is commercially viable across different delivery platforms. If the pilot shows positive results financially, the ITC has said it will consider making the approach available to other operators.

For talabat, this pilot ties into a broader corporate strategy to cut down delivery-related emissions. They see it as a step toward greener logistics, combining fleet electrification, better route planning, and driver training. The company plans to monitor how the pilot impacts delivery efficiency, rider earnings, and customer satisfaction, alongside its environmental goals.

Abu Dhabi’s overall transport strategy, overseen by the ITC, seeks practical ways to lower carbon footprints by combining infrastructure investments with regulatory support and industry engagement. As noted in the Media Office’s announcement, the rollout of EV infrastructure is linked to the emirate’s long-term goals for carbon neutrality. Industry observers suggest that successfully integrating private delivery networks into these plans could lead to meaningful reductions in urban logistics emissions, a sector that’s expanded rapidly with the surge in e-commerce.

All in all, the pilot sits at the crossroads of policy, technology, and market needs. The ITC and talabat expect this trial to clarify whether setting up battery swap zones and dedicated EV parking at scale can be done safely and cost-effectively. If the results are promising, experts believe this initiative could serve as a blueprint for similar public–private collaborations across the Gulf, where dense cities and booming online shopping trends make last-mile electric deliveries not just necessary but potentially quite impactful.

Source: Noah Wire Services