DUBAI // More than 200 hybrid taxis will be on Dubai’s roads by the end of the year, the Roads and Transport Authority said, and the number is set to grow because of cost savings, improved fuel efficiency and reduced maintenance.
Even before the Government announced plans last week to scrap fuel regulation, cab companies had decided to add to their hybrid fleets.
Cars Taxi last month acquired 55 more hybrids, taking its fleet to 100, while the Dubai Taxi Corporation has 69 and will add 30 by December.
Concern about rising fuel costs may prompt public transport authorities to purchase more hybrids over the long-term, experts said.
“I don’t think there will be a major shift in purchase in the short-term, but it will become a strong factor,” said Eyad Trabulsi, senior consultant operations with Burj Park management company.
“It’s a good idea because of cost saving and the amount of time taxis spend in traffic.”
There are 177 hybrid taxis in Dubai, said Ahmad Al Suwaidi, chief executive of the RTA’s Dubai Taxi Corporation, the emirate’s largest taxi operator.
“A hybrid vehicle performs at its optimum in heavily congested traffic,” he said.
“This is because at slower speed only the electric motor propels the vehicle.” The fuel cost saving was about 29 to 31 per cent per taxi per year and fuel efficiency also improved by about 30 per cent, as per RTA figures.
“The advantages are better fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions,” he said. “The braking system of a hybrid requires less maintenance, resulting in less wear and tear.”
Al-Futtaim Motors, distributor of Toyota in the UAE, said it was in discussions with several fleet operators.
“In addition to the 55 hybrid Camry for Cars Taxi, we have had orders from other fleet operators,” said Jon Williams, managing director of Al-Futtaim.
“We are also in the final stages of discussion with new taxi companies which will see this figure increase.”
Hybrids do not require charging stations like plug-in vehicles. Instead, the Toyota hybrids are a combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine.
Sales growth could pick up as awareness spreads.
“One of the key drivers is the low total cost of ownership, which translates into lower maintenance costs, less wear and tear and, of course, less fuel consumption,” Mr Williams said.
More hybrid taxis could also mean calmer roads, Mr Trabulsi said.
“Apart from the environmental and cost benefit, there is a social benefit, because hybrid vehicles are not as powerful as regular ones when you accelerate. So from a commuter’s perspective, it will be a good check for aggressive taxi drivers.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
The specs: 2019 BMW X4
Price, base / as tested: Dh276,675 / Dh346,800
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line six-cylinder
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 354hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 1,550rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 9.0L / 100km
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Bantamweight
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Welterweight
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Featherweight
Mohammed Al Katheeri bt Abrorbek Madaminbekov
Super featherweight
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Middleweight
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Bantamweight (female)
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Welterweight
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Middleweight
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Welterweight
Nouredine Samir bt Marlon Ribeiro
Super welterweight
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
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Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
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Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3
Danilo (16'), Bernardo Silva (34'), Fernandinho (72')
Brighton & Hove Albion 1
Ulloa (20')
Secret Nation: The Hidden Armenians of Turkey
Avedis Hadjian, (IB Tauris)
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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Jawab Iteiqal
Director: Mohamed Sammy
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Ayad Nasaar, Mohamed Adel and Sabry Fawaz
2 stars
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