RTA inks deal for 200 electric vehicles
dubai — On the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2017, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed an agreement with Tesla Inc, a world-leading manufacturer of autonomous electric vehicles, for buying 200 hybrid electric vehicles fitted with several components of autonomous driving technologies.
The new vehicles will add to the limousine fleet of the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC).
Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of RTA signed the agreement on behalf of RTA, while Elon Musk, chairman & CEO of Tesla Inc signed it on behalf of the company.
“The agreement is in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the world’s smartest city, and the Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative. It is also part of the Dubai Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy aimed at transforming 25 per cent of total journeys in Dubai into autonomous journeys by 2030. The agreement also reflects RTA’s efforts towards providing driverless transportation solutions through undertaking technological tests of autonomous transit means.
“Tesla has been selected for its pioneering endeavours in the manufacturing of electric vehicles,” said Al Tayer.
Al Tayer noted that the RTA would carry out a test run of Tesla autonomous hybrid electric vehicles as part of the Dubai Taxi limo fleet as an objective to support the Dubai Government’s efforts in transforming Dubai into the smartest city in mobility worldwide by 2020.
According to Tesla, the RTA will purchase Model S sedans and Model X SUVs from Tesla for the programme. Tesla’s Model S received the highest possible safety ratings at the launch and has the longest range of any electric vehicle.
Tesla reports that the Model S and the Model X vehicles purchased by RTA are equipped with hardware needed for full selfdriving capability at a safety level greater than that of a human driver. Tesla’s autopilot is designed as a hands-on experience to give drivers more confidence behind the wheel, increase their safety on the road, and make highway driving more enjoyable by reducing the driver’s workload.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com