Electric Tuk Tuks Could Soon Hit the Roads in Dubai and Sharjah

Before long, residents might find themselves walking through Dubai or Sharjah only to see a tuk tuk zipping by. Although still awaiting official approval from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), a Chinese-based electric tuk tuk manufacturer may soon establish a market presence in the UAE.

A Growing Trend in Alternative Transport

Tuk tuks, also known as auto rickshaws, are three-wheeled vehicles commonly found in countries such as Egypt, Thailand, India, and other regions across Asia and Africa. Their compact size and versatility make them ideal for short, efficient trips.

Green Power GCC Leads the Push

Green Power GCC is the company working to introduce electric tuk tuks locally.

Ahmed Tauseef, a sales executive at the company, explained that these tuk tuks could also serve hotels and resorts as internal transport vehicles, similar to golf carts. He spoke to Khaleej Times during the Evolve Future Mobility Show, where Green Power showcased both tuk tuks and electric motorcycles.

The brand already operates in several countries, including China and Egypt, where 200 solar-powered electric tricycles were shipped just last week. Tauseef also noted that the company has received significant interest from UAE residents eager to explore this type of mobility.

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Powered by Solar and Electricity

These tuk tuks operate through a combination of solar power and electric charging. Solar panels mounted on the roof collect sunlight to recharge onboard batteries, which then power the vehicle’s electric motor. A standard charging port ensures operation even during cloudy weather.

Tauseef stated that the vehicle can travel up to 500km on solar power, provided it receives adequate sunlight. Home charging is also possible, and certain models include removable or swappable batteries.

 “In the UAE, for now we only have six pieces just for trial [until we get approval],” he said.

According to the company’s website, a tricycle costs around Dh8,000, with only periodic maintenance required after purchase.

UAE’s Push Toward Greener Mobility

The UAE continues to advance multiple sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and addressing climate change. One significant effort is the National Electric Vehicles Policy, which seeks to achieve a 20% reduction in transport-sector energy consumption while maintaining the country’s high global ranking in road quality.

In May 2023, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure launched the Global EV Market project to support green mobility. The initiative aims to have 50% of all vehicles on UAE roads be electric by 2050.