Dubai Rolls Out Long-Range Electric Buses in Major Push for Green Public Transport

Dubai has taken a significant step towards transforming its public transport network with the launch of new electric buses designed to reduce emissions and enhance sustainable mobility across the emirate, officials confirmed this week.

Also Read:

1. Dubai Opens 300-Metre Bridge, Cuts Travel Time to Mall of the Emirates to 1 Minute

2. Dubai humiliate Rolls-Royce, turns it to off-road

3. South Africa mourns young victims as death toll rises to 13

The initiative forms part of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy and the UAE’s long-term climate neutrality ambitions for 2050.

In January 2026, the RTA received its first batch of 250 new buses under a major fleet expansion plan, including 40 battery-electric buses, the largest electric bus procurement the UAE has seen to date.

The rollout marks the first time electric buses will operate regularly on urban routes in Dubai.

The electric buses, manufactured by Zhongtong and customised for local conditions, can travel up to 280 kilometres on a single charge, enabling them to complete full service routes without returning to depots for recharging.

They are powered by a 434 kWh battery system supported by high-capacity chargers.

Each 12-metre bus can carry up to 70 passengers and includes modern safety features such as a 360-degree camera system.

The vehicles were tested in Dubai for more than three months before being approved for public service, with trials showing stable energy use and reliable operational performance, especially in high-temperature conditions typical of the UAE.

The latest electric buses are equipped with a variety of passenger-centric amenities, including:

• Low-floor access for people with disabilities
• Dedicated seating for children
• Spaces for bicycles
• Onboard Wi-Fi and mobile charging points
• Driver behaviour monitoring and smart systems for safety and operational tracking

These advanced features aim to make public transport safer, more comfortable, and more appealing to daily commuters.

The deployment of electric buses supports Dubai’s wider plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions across the transport sector.

The RTA’s Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050 seeks to transition all public buses to electric or hydrogen power by mid-century.

As part of this vision, the RTA will continue to expand its fleet with additional electric models throughout 2026, while integrating advanced technology to boost safety and efficiency.

The new buses also support broader goals  including better connectivity, reduced operating costs over time, and improved air quality in urban centres.

Public transport electrification is a key component of global efforts to combat climate change, improve urban air quality, and reduce transport emissions.

For cities with extreme climates like Dubai, deploying long-range electric buses that can handle daily service requirements without frequent charging represents a strategic milestone in climate adaptation and sustainable mobility planning.

The introduction of these electric buses not only supports Dubai’s environmental targets but also aligns with international trends in green public transport and smart city development.