Qatar aims for 25% electric public transport buses by 2022

By Rahul Vaimal, Associate Editor
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The government of Qatar has committed to having 25 percent of public transport buses to be electric by 2022.

Authorities expect to gradually transform the existing fleet of public buses, public-school buses, and Doha Metro feeder buses into electric buses to achieve its 2030 target of carbon emission reductions.

The initiative forms part of an electric vehicles strategy by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to achieve the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030 of social, economic and environmental development.

The project will get a major boost in 2022 as electric buses will be the main source of transport during the 2022 FIFA World Cup pushing for an environmentally friendly and “carbon neutral” global sports event.

As a catalyst to the existing objectives the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA) will create an integrated network of electric vehicle charging devices in association with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Lusail City will have the largest electric charging station in the region which will power the existing 30+ charging stations along with 100 more planned for the next year.

Qatar’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications is currently working with major transport services provider, Mowasalat Corporation (Karwa) on an extensive plan to convert all taxis to electric-powered cars in the coming years.

As much as 140 electric cars are expected to be purchased and put into operation to service Hamad International Airport as a first stage. 100 electric car parks will be constructed as a first stage while works are already underway to include the parking lots in the proposed tenders.

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