The UAE government is taking urgent and bold steps toward combatting climate change. In a groundbreaking move, the government has launched an initiative to decarbonize its commercial transport sector with the help of EVs, and major corporate players are rallying behind the nation’s ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
Road 2.0
The revolutionary “Road 2.0” initiative, guided by the UAE Alliance for Climate Action (UACA) and backed by crucial government agencies, represents a united front from leading companies committed to slashing carbon emissions through a full-scale transition to Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) in their fleets.
This monumental pledge is not merely a declaration; it represents a crucial leap forward in our collective efforts to reduce emissions significantly. It is a decisive step that actively propels the UAE toward its ambitious target of achieving a remarkable 19% cut in emissions by 2030!
Transition to Green Mobility Solutions
The initiative unites 17 leaders from various sectors, including logistics and retail. Each leader commits to implementing ZEVs in their UAE operations and encourages the ecosystem to shift towards green mobility solutions. The goal is to have 90 commercial ZEVs operating by the end of 2024, with ambitious targets of reaching 6,000 by 2030 and 20,000 by 2040.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has recognized the importance of substituting internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles to mitigate CO2 emissions. It predicts that this shift could lead to a decrease of more than two gigatons of CO2 equivalent on a global scale by 2035.
The Road 2.0 initiative supports this worldwide objective and underscores the UAE’s dedication to tackling climate change during this crucial decade.
A Low-Carbon Economy
His Excellency Mohammad Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, expressed, “Road 2.0 represents an important advancement in our efforts for a cleaner and more sustainable future. Emphasizing the strength of collaboration, it showcases the significance of public-private partnerships in fostering actions toward a low-carbon economy.”
Road 2.0 Decarbonization Goals
Short-Term Goals
Signatories of Road 2.0 aim to procure or lease at least 90 commercial zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) across various vehicle types, including refrigerated and ambient cars, two-wheelers, light to medium-duty trucks, passenger buses, and sedans.
Mid-Term Goals
By 2030, signatories plan to deploy up to 6,000 zero-emission vehicles in their fleets within the UAE. This represents a significant effort to scale up operations and reduce emissions.
Long-Term Goals
The ultimate goal is to have 20,000 zero-emission vehicles in commercial fleets by 2040, potentially reducing 100,000 tons of CO2 emissions from fuel combustion.
The Path to Sustainable Driving
The Path to Sustainable Driving is scaling EV adoption in the UAE. To achieve its ambitious goals, Road 2.0 outlines critical areas essential for advancing EV adoption in a scalable and sustainable manner:
Boosting EV Availability in the UAE
Road 2.0 calls on suppliers to expand the variety of EVs suited for light, medium, and heavy-duty commercial uses, ensuring that businesses have access to a diverse EV supply that meets their operational needs.
Flexible Leasing and Financing Options
Recognizing the unique costs of EV technology, Road 2.0 encourages financial partners to provide adaptable leasing terms and financing options to support signatories in their EV transition.
Enhancing Commercial Accessibility
To ease early adoption, Road 2.0 suggests that the EV ecosystem offer more accessible and cost-effective terms, including initial incentives, to help businesses integrate EVs into their fleets.
Government Support and Public-Private Partnership
The UAE’s Road 2.0 initiative, backed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, underscores the government’s commitment to green mobility in alignment with the UAE’s Demand Side Management Programme and Net Zero Strategy.
This corporate-led initiative focuses on decarbonizing commercial fleets to significantly reduce emissions by 2040, setting a benchmark for sustainable practices in the global transport sector.