Emirates Transport to begin pilot testing of alternative-fuel commercial vehicles

Pact signed with Al Ghurair Motors

Emirates Transport, a UAE-based commercial transport provider, has partnered with UAE-based Al Ghurair Motors to embark on pilot projects to test the viability and efficiency of hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles.

The move is part of Emirates Transport’s aim to explore and promote alternative-fuel commercial vehicles as part of its commercial operations.

The two entities signed an MoU at GITEX Global 2024, at Dubai World Trade Centre, on October 15, 2024.

Al Ghurair Motors will supply hydrogen and electric commercial vehicles for the piloting testing project. As per the MoU, Al Ghurair Motors will also provide comprehensive technical training for Emirates Transport staff, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills to operate and maintain the advanced vehicles. Emirates Transport’s network includes more than 46 workshops across the UAE, all of which will be equipped to handle maintenance for these innovative vehicles.

The partnership also emphasises the need to develop essential infrastructure, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and hydrogen fuelling technology, to support the pilot projects. The goal is to facilitate future scaling and implementation.

Emirates Transport, which operates over 32,000 commercial vehicles across the UAE, recognises the importance of integrating green fuel into its fleet as part of a broader strategy to meet the UAE’s goal of having half of all vehicles on the road be electric by 2050.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are also crucial for reducing transport emissions and aligning with the UAE’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The pilot test projects will cater to various Emirates Transport clients in the UAE, including private and government. Long-term plans involve increasing the number of alternative-fuel vehicles within the transport operator’s fleet.

Dominic Hagerty, Chief Transport and Lease Officer at Emirates Transport said: “The research and feasibility studies conducted with Al Ghurair Motors demonstrate our alignment with governmental sustainability goals, contributing to policy development and infrastructure advancements.”

Oscar Rivoli, CEO of Al Ghurair Motors, added: “As we enhance our technologies, we must also ensure that the necessary training and infrastructure are in place to support these developments.”

Featured image: Emirates Transport and Al Ghurair Motors representatives at the MoU signing ceremony at GITEX Global 2024. Credit: DWTC.

Last Updated on 2 months by Dan Ngiam