Dubai: Dubai is likely to have a hydrogen-powered car as a taxi in the near future as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) looks for alternate fuel options as part of its sustainable transport strategy, Gulf News can confirm.
Day one of the second International Conference on Future Mobility saw the unveiling of a hydrogen fuel vehicle, Toyota Mirai, in the region. The futuristic vehicle that is touted as a zero emission car, is powered by hydrogen fuel cells and can run up to 500 kilometres with a single refuel, which can be done in minutes, unlike electric vehicles which take longer for recharge.
Speaking to Gulf News following the launch of Mirai, Ahmad Hashem Behroozian, CEO of RTA’s Licensing Agency, said that hydrogen fuel is certainly an option for the long term. “We are interested in looking at hydrogen-fuel powered vehicles as an option for taxis. Experts are saying that hydrogen fuel is the long-term future. These are much more environmentally clean and can run for longer distances when compared to electric vehicles. The tank can fill up in a few minutes just like a petrol tank,” said Behroozian.
When asked about the chances of introducing electric vehicles in the RTA fleet, he said: “Operating electric vehicles is a challenge, particularly in our part of the world, because the batteries get drained quickly due to use of AC. So, the distance these vehicles can travel is impacted. Operating hybrid vehicles is a more sustainable option.”
RTA is currently operating a fleet of hybrid vehicles, which run on a combination of petrol and self-charging batteries, while an electric bus is also on trial. In marine transport, RTA operates electric abras and a trial on solar-powered boats is also under way.
Unveiling the hydrogen-powered vehicle, Len Hunt, president of Al-Futtaim Automotive Group, said: “This is a significant step forward in our journey towards contributing to the possible development of a hydrogen society, in which everything from vehicles to work and living places are powered by the zero-emission hydrogen.”
Toyota has tied up with French firm Air Liquide to supply hydrogen fuel and, as part of the trial, two hydrogen fuelling stations have been set up in Dubai.
The cost of filling the tank with hydrogen fuel is similar to that of petrol in Europe and America. However, experts feel with UAE’s abundant sources of power, it could be cheaper to produce hydrogen here.
“Hydrogen could be produced from solar plants, oil refineries, sewage sludge and many other sources, which are readily available in the UAE. Right now the cost is similar to petrol but it might be cheaper in the longer run as we look at the next 10 to 15 years for the transition,” said François Darchis, senior vice-president, Air Liquide.
