Dubai officials decide to transform 90% of country’s Limousines into Eco-friendly ones by 2026

ABU DHABI: 90% of all the limousines in Dubai will be transformed into electric or hybrid vehicles by the year 2026, as confirmed by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The decision has been made upon instructions from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mahtoum. The initiative is undertaken to reduce carbon emissions in the country for sustaining the environment. It is the first-of-its-kind initiative that might be a big step toward combating the adverse effects of pollution and climate change.

City officials aim at completing this plan within a period of 7 years. According to the same, eco-friendly limousines will increase in Dubai from 6% to 10% in 2020, reaching a percentage of 20% by the year 2021. Furthermore, the number of green limousines will continue to increase to 30% by 2022, 40% in the year 2030, 55% in 2024, and the target of 90% will be reached by 2026. 

The Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Director of RTA have said, “The step is part of a master plan to curb carbon emissions of taxis and limos by two percent as required by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the Green Economy drive. It also comes in the aftermath of fuel deregulation policy and the low cost of electric/hybrid vehicles life span compared with fuel-powered vehicles.” 

As of now, about 6500 limousines run on the streets of Dubai which are owned by more than 100 companies, as confirmed by the city official. The vehicles travel up to 400 km per day. It emits 44 tons of carbon each year. He went on to state that electric cars will lead to lesser carbon emissions along with financial savings of about AED 20,000. Moreover, carbon emissions will be lowered by 40% along with AED 30,000 savings when using hybrid cars. The RTA will provide a 25% discount for the initial month to the owner of these eco-friendly limousines. This discount will be applicable on the monthly franchise fees on electric vehicles. The cars will also have access to bus lanes.