In a ground-breaking move for green mobility in the UAE, 17 prominent corporations have joined forces to advance electric vehicle (EV) adoption, committing to a transformative goal of deploying 20,000 Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) in commercial fleets by 2040. The joint effort, launched as the ‘Road2.0 powered by UACA’ initiative, represents a significant corporate declaration aimed at reducing carbon emissions and fostering a more sustainable future. Endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the initiative is a strong testament to the nation’s commitment to its Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.
Ambitious Goals to Drive UAE’s EV Future
The corporate signatories, spanning sectors such as logistics, retail, food and beverage, and fast-moving consumer goods, are united under the Road2.0 initiative, which is spearheaded by the UAE Alliance for Climate Action (UACA) and supported by Emirates Nature-WWF. The coalition has set ambitious benchmarks, planning to introduce 90 commercial ZEVs by the end of 2024, scaling to 6,000 ZEVs by 2030, and ultimately 20,000 ZEVs by 2040. The intended outcomes include a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions from commercial transport, contributing towards the UAE's goals to mitigate climate impact.
With the backing of industry leaders like talabat and Unilever, the Road2.0 initiative aims to make significant strides in fleet decarbonisation. The introduction of thousands of ZEVs could reduce the transport sector’s carbon footprint by approximately 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. This move not only supports the UAE’s national climate agenda but also highlights the private sector’s role in sustainable transformation.
Strategic Collaboration Across the EV Ecosystem
In the UAE’s fast-evolving EV ecosystem, the Road2.0 declaration acts as a call for collaboration across all related sectors to facilitate EV integration. The declaration identifies key areas where partnerships are essential, such as developing supporting infrastructure and addressing the specific needs of commercial EV operators. Road2.0 brings together stakeholders across the EV supply chain, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, leasing companies, and third-party logistics providers, creating a robust support system for commercial EVs.
Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF, sees this moment as a pivotal opportunity to accelerate a market-wide transition to zero emissions. "Road2.0 signatories are committed to achieving 30% decarbonisation of commercial road transport fleets by 2030 and 100% by 2040,” Abdullatif states. She believes that with the collaborative spirit embodied in Road2.0, the UAE’s green transport landscape will set a strong example regionally and globally.
The Power of Public-Private Partnership in UAE’s Green Mobility Strategy
One of the unique aspects of the Road2.0 initiative is its reliance on the partnership between public and private sectors, emphasised by endorsements from both MOEI and MOCCAE. His Excellency Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MOEI, remarked on the synergy between government and business to support sustainable economic growth and environmental innovation. The Ministry aims to expand EV usage so that 50% of all vehicles on UAE roads are electric by 2050, aligning with the nation’s green mobility goals.
Echoing this sentiment, His Excellency Mohammad Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, saw Road2.0 as a powerful catalyst in the nation’s journey toward a low-carbon economy. He commended the initiative’s public-private approach, stressing that broad-based support for sustainable transport initiatives reflects the UAE’s commitment to its climate goals.
Diverse Sectoral Representation Among Road2.0 Signatories
Road2.0 signatories include key players from a wide range of industries. Companies on board include Advanced Media Trading, Aramex, Arla, Chalhoub Group, Enviroserve, Farnek, Kibsons, Landmark Group, Majid Al Futtaim, Nestlé, Positive Zero, RNZ Group, Schneider Electric, and Yes Full Circle Solutions. This diverse mix of participants underscores the initiative’s ambition to address green mobility across various economic sectors.
Each participant brings a unique perspective and capability to the table. For instance, Unilever, a leading supporter of Road2.0, has already begun to transition its logistics fleet towards lower emissions. Ahmed Kadous, Head of Supply Chain Personal Care Middle East & Turkey at Unilever, highlighted the company’s commitment to reducing logistics carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to its 2020 baseline. Unilever has recently integrated an electric van and a 40-tonne electric truck into its UAE fleet, setting a high standard for corporate action.
Impact on UAE’s Environmental Goals
The impact of Road2.0’s vision extends beyond commercial fleets to the broader UAE environmental landscape. By 2030, the deployment of thousands of ZEVs is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 100,000 tonnes annually, supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 targets. This initiative is also a part of the UAE’s Third Update of the Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), which provides a clear roadmap for lowering emissions across key sectors, including transportation.
Given the scale of its objectives, Road2.0 has the potential to redefine green mobility standards within the UAE and beyond. The initiative not only signals the readiness of the EV market in the UAE but also the corporate sector’s willingness to embrace sustainable transport as a core operational strategy. As the UAE seeks to position itself as a leader in climate innovation, initiatives like Road2.0 illustrate the country’s strong policy alignment with practical, on-the-ground efforts.
Looking Ahead: UAE’s EV Market Poised for Growth
The rapid expansion of the UAE’s EV market shows a promising trajectory, driven by improvements in charging infrastructure, increased corporate participation, and government support. Road2.0 aims to attract more companies to the green mobility space, urging businesses to adopt ZEVs and reinforcing the UAE’s credentials as a forward-thinking leader in sustainability. For stakeholders in the UAE’s commercial transport sector, Road2.0 provides a framework that showcases the potential for profitably scaling sustainability goals while minimising carbon impact.
As the initiative progresses, Road2.0 will continue to focus on its ultimate goal of achieving a 100% decarbonised fleet by 2040. To realise this, the coalition of corporations and government entities involved will continue to engage with and expand the EV ecosystem, offering a blueprint for other regions aiming to implement similar green transport initiatives. The UAE’s strategic commitment to sustainability through Road2.0 could inspire other countries and corporates to adopt a collaborative model for green mobility.
Conclusion: A Bold Vision for UAE’s Transport Sector
In essence, Road2.0, through its multi-sector coalition, is setting a new benchmark for sustainability within the commercial transport sector. By committing to 20,000 ZEVs by 2040, the UAE is not only advancing its green mobility goals but also sending a powerful message about the role of corporate commitment in achieving national climate objectives. Road2.0 exemplifies how partnerships across industries can help bring about impactful environmental change. This bold initiative, supported by key players in both the private and public sectors, marks an important step towards a more sustainable future for the UAE’s transport industry and beyond.
Stay tuned to carprices.ae for more interesting updates.
