Nine-day drag race for UAE motor enthusiasts
abu dhabi — The UAE is set to witness its first drag race between electric and petrol vehicles.
Global EVRT’s convoy of drivers will hold the race during its 1217km Electric Vehicle Road Trip, which will set off from Abu Dhabi on January 18. Taking in desert landscapes, twisting mountain roads and picturesque coastal drives, the drivers will make their way across the UAE and Oman.
Event organiser Global EVRT has also announced a fantastic line-up of sustainability focused events during the nine-day trip, which will see drivers and passengers get up close and personal with world-leading solar technology.
Members of the public are encouraged to join the convoy in their local area, for a chance to test drive an electric vehicle. As part of its commitment to sustainability, event sponsor Emirates NBD has taken the lead in green financing.
Ben Pullen, Global EVRT managing
The journey promises to be nine days of fun, educational and inspiring moments and activities.” Ben Pullen, managing director, Global EVRT
director, said: “The journey promises to be nine days of fun, educational and inspiring moments and activities. Driving an electric vehicle is the ideal way to discover the technology that is shaping the transport needs of tomorrow.”
Setting off from Abu Dhabi, the fleet of electric cars, including a trio of Chevrolet Bolt EV as well as Tesla models S and X, will drive 120km for a guided tour of the innovative Shams 1 Solar Park in Madinat Zayed. As one of the largest solar power stations in the world, it will take the next step into commercial solar energy and a clean future energy source for the UAE.
EVRT Middle East Road Trippers will then drive directly back to Abu Dhabi, to charge, before setting off for the 270km drive to Oman, passing through some of the UAE’s most stunning deserts and the ‘Garden City’ of Al Ain before arriving at the coastal city of Sohar in Oman, after approximately three hours on the road.
The Oman leg of the journey will continue with a drive to the country’s picturesque capital, Muscat, visiting its botanical gardens, the Sultan Qaboos University and the German University of Technology, where students will be given a chance to test drive the cars.
Day five of the road trip will bring together the key stake holders of Oman in the industries of transport and smart cities, for The Future of Mobility Roundtable discussion. When the cars return to the UAE, they go up the steep mountain roads to the summit of Jebel Jais. Then, the drag race takes place at the RAK Race Track. On the final day, the cars will arrive at Dubai’s The Sustainable City for the EVRT Middle East Grand Finale and the e-Mobility Showcase Day.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com