735 Electric Buses Coming To Dubai Soon

Dubai is set to significantly expand its electric bus fleet with the introduction of 735 new vehicles in 2026, marking a major step towards its goal of a zero-emissions public transport system by 2050. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced this ambitious plan as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the adoption of sustainable urban mobility solutions. This expansion will bring the total number of electric buses in the city to nearly 800, making it the largest such fleet in the UAE and a national first in scale. Currently, Dubai operates around 40 electric buses, which have demonstrated strong performance and high satisfaction rates among both drivers and passengers. The electric buses have proven particularly effective for short to medium urban routes, contributing to a reduction of over 59,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in 2025 alone. The transition to electric vehicles also offers significant energy efficiency benefits compared to traditional diesel buses, supporting the city’s wider environmental objectives. A notable feature of Dubai’s electric bus programme is the potential for the fleet’s battery packs to serve as a virtual power plant. Each bus is equipped with a 470 kWh battery, and collectively, the full fleet’s capacity would amount to around 364 MWh. This energy storage capability could provide valuable backup electricity to the local grid, enhancing energy resilience and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. Additionally, retired bus batteries may be repurposed for stationary energy storage, further extending their lifecycle and environmental benefits. The rapid procurement and deployment of such a large number of electric buses highlight Dubai’s commitment to transforming its public transport infrastructure swiftly. By replacing diesel buses, the city aims to improve air quality and public health while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The initiative aligns with global trends towards electrification in urban transport and underscores Dubai’s ambition to be a leader in sustainable mobility in the region.