Arabia Taxi Dubai shifts taxi drivers to Tesla
Dubai-based taxi company Arabia Taxi Dubai, a subsidiary of Economic Group Holdings owned by Sheikh Majid bin Hamad Al Qasimi, has added 269 Tesla Model 3 electric cars to its fleet.
The initiative aims to switch to a greener mode of transport and achieve sustainable development goals. The taxi fleet has signed an exclusive agreement with Tesla.
Today there are already 6,000 taxis in the fleet of The Economic Group. And 83% of the company’s taxi cars are now powered by environmentally friendly hybrid engines. As you know, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has set a target to convert the entire taxi fleet to hybrid, electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2027.
In July 2022, Tesla Model 3 electric cars also joined the Dubai Taxi Corporation’s fleet on a trial basis. Since 2017, 172 Tesla vehicles have been used as premium taxis. The move supported Dubai’s development strategy to build a green economy as well as reduce carbon emissions.
Since 2017, the authority has operated 80 Tesla Model S models, 50 Tesla Model X models and 42 Tesla Model 3 models. By 2026, 90% of all limousines will be eco-friendly in Dubai.
Earlier in April, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued a new law on unmanned vehicles in the Emirate of Dubai.
Law No (9) of 2023 provides the regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles operating in Dubai. Its purpose is to accelerate the transformation of intelligent mobility in the emirate and to ensure that investment in the sector is attracted.
Any activity involving unmanned vehicles will require a licence. The conditions for obtaining one include passing a technical test and having the technical ability to read road signs. Operators of autonomous vehicles will be liable to pay for all damages caused by accidents involving them.
The sale and transfer of autonomous vehicles in Dubai will only take place through ‘authorised agents’, and transfers from one operator to another will only be possible after approval by the authority.
Violators of the provisions of the law will face a fine of between AED 500,000 and AED 20,000, which can be doubled in the event of repeated violations within one year. The maximum fine for this will be AED 50,000. Any provisions of other legislation that may contravene the new law will be repealed.
Source: Arabian Business
Follow our Telegram Chanel
