Masdar is piloting a scheme that could potentially see the city move closer to its aim of being the world’s first carbon-neutral city.
The pilot programme will be a year-long exercise to test whether electric vehicles (EV) can be successfully integrated into the city’s transportation network.
The first three months will be conducted in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and will utilise a fleet of ten of the Japanese manufacturer’s i-MiEV next-generation electric vehicles (EV).
The i-MiEV is a five-door hatchback with a range of 150km. The vehicle is the first mass production EV on the market and is powered by a 16 kWh lithium-ion battery, has a top speed of 130km/h and can be re-charged from empty to 80% in 30 minutes.
The scheme will test the feasibility of EV technology as a point-to-point transportation solution for Masdar City. During the testing period, residents and employees of Masdar will have access to the vehicles. Throughout the year, Masdar said a variety of electric car manufacturers and a consortium of related technology providers will be examined to improve the integration of sustainable transportation.
“The launch of this pilot project is important to validate an electric vehicle transportation system for Masdar and the region,” said Buthaina Al Mazrui, project manager in strategic partnerships, Masdar. “This project will provide a regional reference to the car manufacturers, battery and other technology providers. We look forward to collaborating with local entities and global technology companies to implement an EV fleet management solution.”
“Masdar City provides a real-life setting for residents to use our new vehicle technology, and to begin to rely on electric-powered forms of transportation – as the future will depend on it,” added Kinya Watanabe, general manager MHI, Abu Dhabi Office.”