Will electric tuk-tuks cruise through UAE roads? Chinese firm files RTA application

A staple on Indian roads, autorickshaws, also known as tuk-tuks, could likely be spotted on UAE roads too. A China-based electric tuk-tuk company has reportedly approached the UAE Road and Transport Authority (RTA) seeking to operate in the Emirate, according to a report.

Green Power GCC has filed an application with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) so that these vehicles can be used by hotels and resorts just  like a golf cart, reported Khaleej Times. “In the UAE, for now we only have six pieces just for trial [until we get  approval],” Ahmed Tauseef, a sales executive at Green Power, told Khaleej Times.

The report added that the e-tuk-tuk is powered by both solar power and electricity. The vehicle has solar panels at the top that capture sunlight to charge the batteries, which in turn powers an electric motor. The standard charging port enables the vehicle to run even on days with no sunlight.

The three-wheeler is capable of driving for 500km and has swappable batteries. “In the UAE, for now we only have six pieces just for trial [until we get approval],” the sales executive added.

The vehicle is priced at AED 8,000, besides periodic maintenance.

The UAE has been promoting green vehicles as part of its mission to reduce carbon emissions. It has also formulated a National Electric Vehicles Policy, the key target of which is that 50% of passenger vehicles and 70% of buses will be electric by 2050. It also envisages setting up 45,000 charging points by 2035.

Middle East