Next-gen electric buses begin trial on Dubai’s Route F13
Smart features and zero-emission design define new RTA trial vehicle
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has initiated a pilot operation of a next-generation electric bus on Route F13, a metro feeder service connecting key locations including the Burj Khalifa, The Palace Downtown Hotel, and Dubai Fountain.
The route starts at Al Quoz Bus Depot and ends at Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop (South). The initiative is part of RTA’s wider ambition to fully convert public transport to zero-emission systems by 2050.
The trial bus is equipped with a range of advanced smart systems tailored to meet Dubai’s urban transport needs. These include high-definition cameras and screen systems replacing conventional mirrors, and a transparent head-up display that projects critical driving data directly onto the windscreen. This enhances the driver's situational awareness without diverting attention from the road.
Innovative design
Engineered to operate efficiently under Dubai’s unique environmental conditions, the electric bus also features a powerful air conditioning system designed for high-temperature climates. It is a 12-metre-long city bus with a passenger capacity of 76 – comprising 41 seated and 35 standing spaces. One of its most significant attributes is its high-capacity battery system, boasting 470 kilowatt-hours of storage – the largest among any electric buses previously tested in RTA’s fleet.
On a full charge, the bus can travel up to 370 kilometres, making it viable for extensive daily use. Manufactured by Volvo, the vehicle reflects a significant investment in smart mobility, with the RTA intending to gather performance data to inform future bus specifications and innovations in public transport.
Eco-friendly goals
Marwan Al Zarooni, Director of Buses at RTA’s Public Transport Agency, highlighted that the trial will be key to evaluating the real-world range, environmental impact, and performance of the electric bus in different weather conditions, especially Dubai’s intense summer heat. The pilot aims to monitor carbon emission reductions and assess operational feasibility on a high-demand route with live passenger data.
This trial also aligns with RTA’s broader strategy of expanding its transport fleet while integrating smart technologies to boost service quality and customer experience. Al Zarooni affirmed that RTA’s continued infrastructure enhancements are driven by growing demand and a vision to offer efficient, sustainable, and user-centric public transport services.