Sri Lanka
USA
Canada
India
UK
UAE
The UAE might soon welcome an eco-friendly twist to urban transport — electric tuk tuks. A Chinese-based company, Green Power GCC, is currently seeking approval from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce these solar-powered three-wheelers to the Emirates.
Residents of the UAE may soon spot a familiar yet futuristic sight — electric tuk tuks zipping through the streets of Dubai or Sharjah. Green Power GCC, a Chinese-based company, is working to introduce these solar and battery-powered vehicles to the UAE market, pending official approval from the Road and Transport Authority (RTA).
Also known as auto rickshaws, tuk tuks are popular modes of transport in countries such as India, Egypt, and Thailand. However, Green Power GCC aims to redefine their use by introducing eco-friendly, electric versions suitable for the UAE’s green vision.
According to Ahmed Tauseef, a sales executive at Green Power, the electric tuk tuks could serve various purposes — including being used by hotels and resorts for short-distance travel, similar to golf carts. The company recently showcased these vehicles, along with electric motorcycles, at the Evolve Future Mobility Show.
Operating in several countries, including Egypt and China, Green Power has already shipped 200 solar-powered tricycles to Egypt and received hundreds of inquiries from interested buyers in the UAE.
The vehicles operate using a combination of solar and electric power. Solar panels installed on the roof charge onboard batteries, which in turn power the motor. The tuk tuks also feature a regular charging port, ensuring they can run even during cloudy days. Some models even include swappable batteries for greater convenience.
Tauseef mentioned that a fully solar-charged tuk tuk can travel up to 500 km, and the current trial batch in the UAE consists of six units. Each vehicle is priced around Dh8,000, with only minimal maintenance costs after purchase.
The introduction of electric tuk tuks aligns perfectly with the UAE’s sustainability goals. Under the National Electric Vehicles Policy, the country aims to reduce energy consumption in the transport sector by 20% and maintain its global leadership in road quality. Moreover, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s “Global EV Market” project aims to make 50% of all vehicles on UAE roads electric by 2050.
With such initiatives underway, the arrival of electric tuk tuks could mark yet another milestone in the UAE’s journey toward a greener, more sustainable future.
