Imagine strolling through Dubai or Sharjah and seeing a tuk tuk zoom by. This could soon become reality as a Chinese electric tuk tuk company seeks approval from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to enter the UAE market.
These three-wheeled vehicles, also known as auto rickshaws, are common in countries like Egypt, Thailand, and India.
Stay updated with the latest news by following KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Green Power GCC aims to introduce electric tuk tuks in the UAE. Sales executive Ahmed Tauseef shared that hotels and resorts might use these vehicles similarly to golf carts. He spoke to Khaleej Times during the Evolve Future Mobility Show where they showcased electric motorcycles alongside tuk tuks.
Ahmed Tauseef
The company is active in countries like Egypt and China, recently shipping 200 solar electric tricycles to Egypt. Tauseef noted growing interest with numerous inquiries received.
Solar-powered and electric
The tuk tuk is powered by solar energy and electricity, featuring solar panels that charge batteries powering the motor. It also includes a standard charging port for cloudy days.
Tauseef explained that the vehicle can travel 500km on solar power alone and can be charged at home, with some models offering swappable batteries. “In the UAE, we currently have six units for trials while awaiting approval,” he added.
According to Green Power’s website, purchasing a tricycle costs around Dh8,000, with only periodic maintenance fees thereafter.
UAE going green
The UAE has several green initiatives to combat climate change and lower carbon emissions, including the National Electric Vehicles Policy to cut transport energy use by 20% and maintain top road quality rankings.
In May 2023, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure launched the ‘Global EV Market’ project to support the UAE’s shift to green mobility, aiming for 50% of vehicles on UAE roads to be electric by 2050.
