The UAE is noticeably shifting gears in adopting EVs, and it’s not just private car buyers making the change. Taxi fleets and ride-hailing services are increasingly playing a crucial role in accelerating the take-up of electric vehicles. With more people relying on these services for daily commutes, integrating EVs into the system has the potential to create widespread impact.
The Ride-Hailing Revolution
Ride-hailing has become second nature in the UAE. Whether it’s booking a taxi through an app or using on-demand chauffeur services, people are embracing shared mobility. That shift presents an opportunity: the more electric cars that become part of these fleets, the more exposure they get. For many residents, their first experience in an EV might not be from buying one; it might be through a taxi ride.
Dubai-based ride-hailing service Hala is leading the charge. Its latest initiative, Hala EV, aims to electrify its fleet in line with Dubai’s ambitious plan to transition taxis to hybrid or fully electric vehicles by 2027. The company is already rolling out electric cabs, making sustainable transport an everyday option for commuters. It’s not just about meeting government targets, it’s about proving that electric mobility can be practical, reliable, and cost-effective.
Uber has been offering a Green option for a while now and counts a large number of Tesla and BYD cars in their fleet.
New Initiatives Making EVs More Accessible
The move to electrification isn’t just limited to ride-hailing companies. Masdar City, a hub for sustainable innovation, has started testing autonomous electric vehicles to advance zero-emission transport. The trials, unveiled at the recent Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, are part of a broader vision to make smart, self-driving electric cars a normal sight in the UAE’s urban landscape. The idea is simple: if sustainable transport is seamless and accessible, people will naturally make the switch.
Cost, of course, plays a big role in any transition. That’s where companies like Bolt come in. The mobility platform has introduced a new online calculator to help ride-hailing drivers compare the costs of owning an EV versus a petrol car. With rising fuel prices and the lower maintenance costs of EVs, more drivers may start to realise that switching to electric makes financial sense. And when drivers switch, passengers follow.
Infrastructure and Policy Support
Government backing has been instrumental in this shift. Charging infrastructure across the UAE has expanded rapidly, with many more charging stations appearing over the last 18 months. Incentives like free parking and exemption from road tolls add further appeal. The goal is clear: making it as easy as possible for people and businesses to choose electric over petrol.
Experts agree that fleet electrification is a game-changer. A report by PwC highlights that ride-hailing and taxi operators have a unique ability to drive EV adoption at scale. “EV fleet operators leverage their fleets to offer mobility services, including ride-hailing, ridesharing, and ride-pooling, facilitating the transportation of people with enhanced efficiency,” the report states. That efficiency doesn’t just mean fewer emissions, it means a cleaner, more sustainable way to get around.
The shift is happening, but challenges remain. Range anxiety, though less of an issue with better charging networks, still lingers in some drivers’ minds. Upfront costs, even if they pay off in the long run, can be a hurdle. But as more electric taxis hit the streets and ride-hailing apps showcase EV options, perceptions are changing. What once seemed like a niche technology is quickly becoming mainstream.
For the UAE, the vision is clear. Taxis and ride-hailing services are not just adapting to the electric revolution; they are leading it. Every ride in an electric taxi, every trip booked in an EV through a ride-hailing app, is a step towards a cleaner, smarter transport system. And in a country known for its rapid transformation, we may reach our destination sooner than expected.
