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Masdar and Abu Dhabi Department of Transport roll out all-electric bus service

The Eco-Bus seats 30 passengers and has a range of 150 kilometres per battery charge

Masdar and Abu Dhabi Department of Transport roll out all-electric bus service
Masdar and Abu Dhabi Department of Transport roll out all-electric bus service

Masdar, the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, has officially launched the first fully electric passenger bus in the region in partnership with the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi (DoT), Abu Dhabi-based bus manufacturer Hafilat  Industry LLC , and technology company Siemens.

The Eco-Bus has been designed to withstand the heat and humidity of the UAE climate, one of the key performance challenges for electric vehicles. The bus has a lightweight aluminium body and a unique water-cooling system to optimise battery life and efficiency, even when the outdoor temperature is at its highest. The vehicle also has a highly energy-efficient on-board air-conditioning system.

The bus seats 30 passengers and has a range of 150 kilometres per battery charge. Solar panels are also used to power the Eco-Bus’s auxiliary systems.

Abu Dhabi’s DoT was heavily involved in the pilot phase of the Eco-Bus, which carried out extensive tests of the vehicle’s technical performance as well as the user experience. Siemens provided the vehicle’s propulsion technology, while Hafilat designed and built the Eco-Bus.

The Eco-Bus will serve a six-stop route between Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station and Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban community. The vehicle will be integrated into the DoT’s existing fleet, and the service will be free until the end of March 2019.

Yousef Baselaib, executive director for sustainable real estate at Masdar, said: “The launch of the Eco-Bus is a milestone for the UAE in a number of ways. Masdar City has been an incubator of sustainable mobility technologies, including the iconic Personal Rapid Transport system and the Navya Autonom shuttle vehicle. Now we are exporting solutions beyond the city limits with our partners for the benefit of the wider community.”

“Helping the UAE deliver on its sustainability targets, including more environmentally friendly mobility solutions, is a key part of our mandate at Masdar and high on the agenda at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2019, which will showcase opportunities for further convergence of knowledge and technologies in the pursuit of cleaner and more energy-efficient transport,” added Baselaib.

Ahmed Ateeq Al Mazrouei, adviser to the chairman of the DoT and head of the buses and water ferries team, said: “The collaboration between the Department of Transport and Masdar has been very fruitful and resulted in the operating of the electric bus. This initiative is a result of the efforts and support dedicated by DoT and its strategic partners to promote the use of sustainable and intelligent transport modes, which enhances the quality of life in the Emirate. This smart initiative is just one of a series of future initiatives that are aimed at enhancing the intelligent transportation system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and making it part of the daily lives of public transport users.”

Iyad Al Ansari, CEO of Hafilat Industry LLC, said: “We have provided specific solutions to adapt this bus to the UAE environment and to meet the Department of Transport’s specifications.”

The Eco-Bus is driven by a Siemens traction system, which includes a gearless PEM motor. The traction system has been designed to last the lifetime of the Eco-Bus.

Uwe Troeger, senior executive vice president, digital factory and process industries and drives, Siemens Middle East, said: “This technology has been proven around the world and we’re pleased to be bringing it to the UAE for local innovation in efficient, sustainable transportation. This project is a great combination of the right technology and the right partners, and supports the development of environmentally friendly transport infrastructure in the UAE.”