Dubai electric public buses to charge while parked at station using new technology

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a trial run of two electric buses that are charged using technology which is being experimented for the first time in Dubai.

The two Volvo 7900 buses will shuttle on a specific path in both directions between La Mer South, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Street and Al Sufouh Tram Station. The launch is coordinated with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Volvo Bus Company, Meraas Real Estate, and ABB Group, a major firm in the electric bus charging industry.

Day and night chargers

The two buses are fitted with ‘Opportunity Charging’ technology, which is experimented for the first time in Dubai. Buses are charged by a standing electric charger supplied by ABB Group at La Mer South.

A night electric charger is provided at Al Quoz Bus Depot to run the night charging when the two buses are out of service. Therefore, buses can be electrically charged either through pantograph using a standing arm under which the bus is parked at La Mer, or by using cables.

Each bus is equipped with batteries that enable it to travel 200km when fully charged. The length of the distance travelled is a function of several factors such as the terrain of the road, temperature, and the operation of the air conditioners.

Each bus has 38 seats in addition to three foldable seats, a place for people of determination, and an interactive display screen.

Operational efficiency

During the trial period, which will continue until March 2022, RTA will measure the operational efficiency of the two electric buses and experiment the charging of electric buses using the charger at La Mer as well as the overnight charger at the Al Quoz Bus Depot.

RTA will train drivers on driving the electric bus and familiarise them with the bus system. It will also train controllers on monitoring the electric bus and the charging unit.

Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said the move is part of RTA’s initiatives to support the use of eco-friendly vehicles and sustainable transit means.

Success hinges on chargers

Encouraging green mobility

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said Dubai’s Green Mobility Initiative 2030 aims to stimulate the use of sustainable transit means and align them with the strategic goals of the emirate in terms of sustainability, air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

No emissions, no noise

Manish Sahi, Vice President, Volvo Bus Corporation, said: “We are excited about the possibilities electric buses will open up for cities like Dubai. Without emissions and noise, you can even build bus stops indoors.