Dubai unveils largest electric bus order in UAE to accelerate sustainable urban mobility

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has just taken delivery of the first batch of 250 buses from a bigger order aimed at expanding and greening the emirate’s public transit system. Announced earlier this month, this shipment includes 40 electric buses powered by batteries. Interestingly enough, it’s actually the largest electric bus order in the UAE so far, and it marks the first time electric buses will be regularly running on Dubai’s city routes.

This purchase is part of a broader, multi-year effort to modernize the fleet, something that’s necessary to keep up with rising passenger numbers while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The contract, which involves supplying 735 buses of various sizes that meet the Euro 6 low-emission standards, indicates that the rest of the buses are expected to arrive later in 2026, according to the RTA. Reports from the industry put the total value of this program at around 1.1 billion dirhams, with deliveries planned in phases through 2025 and 2026.

Electric buses designed for Dubai’s climate

The 12-meter Zhongtong electric bus delivered to Dubai has been tailored specifically for local conditions. It’s equipped with a 434 kWh battery and uses a 360 kW ABB charging system. According to the RTA’s technical specs, this bus can travel up to 280 kilometers on a single charge, enough to complete daily routes without needing to recharge at the depot midday, which is pretty handy. It can hold up to 70 passengers and is fitted with a 360-degree camera setup for safety.

Before the official handover, the buses underwent more than three months of local testing. The focus was on things like battery cooling, braking systems, and air conditioning inside the cabin. The results were promising: stable performance, energy efficiency, and the RTA even reported about 95% satisfaction from drivers and passengers alike.

Aligning with Dubai’s Urban Goals

Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of the RTA, described this procurement as part of Dubai’s bigger plan, specifically, the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, to expand sustainable public transportation and handle increasing passenger numbers. It’s also aligned with the country’s climate goals, including the UAE’s pledge to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Plus, Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda aims to boost the emirate’s status as a leading global city.

This purchase directly supports the RTA’s Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050. The goal there? Transitioning buses, taxis, and limousines to zero emissions, primarily electricity and hydrogen, by the middle of the century. So, these initial vehicles are both a quick increase in capacity and a step towards that longer-term transition.

A Fleet That Meets Immediate Needs

Besides electric buses, the contract also covers 549 city-service vehicles with internal combustion engines compliant with Euro 6 standards. This includes 400 MAN buses, 149 Zhongtong city buses, along with 76 Volvo double-deckers and 70 articulated Isuzu Anadolu buses designed for busy corridors or newly developed areas. The idea is to have a flexible mix that can handle both trunk routes and feeder services as the transit network grows.

These new buses come loaded with technology meant to boost efficiency and passenger comfort. Many feature driver behavior monitoring, automated systems for counting passengers, and authentication tools for drivers. Passengers will enjoy amenities such as low-floor access for those with mobility challenges, dedicated seating for children, spaces for bicycles, onboard Wi-Fi, and charging points for mobile phones. Inside, the layouts have been tweaked for greater comfort, especially on longer routes.

Tracking Performance and Efficiency

The RTA says they’ve set up a new standard for testing fuel consumption, something that’s actually the first of its kind in the Gulf region. This standardized testing aims to give clear, repeatable measurements of how much fuel or energy different vehicles use. Industry experts say such consistent testing can help transit authorities make smarter decisions on total cost of ownership, balancing how much initial investment they need versus ongoing energy and maintenance costs.

The Challenges of Going Electric in a Desert Climate

Deploying electric buses in Dubai’s hot, arid environment comes with its own set of challenges. Managing battery cooling, ensuring effective thermal regulation, and maintaining reliable air conditioning are critical to passenger comfort and preserving battery life. The RTA’s testing program specifically tackled these issues, and the results have been positive so far. However, scaling up to a fully electric fleet means significant investments in charging infrastructure at depots, upgrading power sources, and planning schedules that align charging needs with daily operations.

For those involved in climate tech in the UAE, this procurement is a valuable real-world example. The specifications for the batteries and their ranges set a baseline for manufacturers and infrastructure developers looking to optimize chargers, thermal management systems, and fleet software for hot climates, pretty important details, right? The inclusion of driver monitoring and automated passenger counting also signals an interest in telematics and data-driven efficiency improvements, which could save energy and help extend vehicle lifespan.

Market and Policy Significance

This move by the RTA aligns with a broader regional trend: transit authorities are increasingly replacing their Euro 6 fleets with electric buses, gradually decarbonizing while still keeping service levels high. Government targets and large municipal contracts like Dubai’s give certainty to suppliers and encourage investments in climate-ready technologies.

By not only increasing capacity now but also implementing data-driven testing and laying out a clear transition path to zero emissions, Dubai shows it’s ready to test new tech solutions while taking pragmatic steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. For companies working in the climate technology space, this rollout provides both business opportunities and a set of technical benchmarks relevant for hot, high-demand urban environments.

Source: Noah Wire Services