Emirates Transport, the leading provider of transport solutions in the UAE, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Al Ghandi Auto to install an off-grid solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its headquarters. The groundbreaking partnership, aligned with Emirates Transport's sustainability strategy, was announced during GITEX Global 2024 in Dubai, the world’s largest tech event.

This marks the first time Al Ghandi Auto will install a fully solar-powered charging station, which, upon completion, will be one of the first off-grid solar-powered EV charging stations across the UAE. This innovative technology supports Emirates Transport's environmental goals and aligns with the UAE’s vision for a greener future.

The MoU between Al Ghandi Auto and Emirates Transport aims to maximise solar energy use in transport operations and related facilities, creating a self-sufficient energy ecosystem that enhances resilience and energy availability. This collaboration reduces reliance on external energy sources and inspires the adoption of renewable energy solutions across the industry. Work is already underway to install the charging station at Emirates Transport’s Dubai headquarters. The solar panels for the individual charging point can generate up to 22 kW of power, and the station will take approximately 1.5 hours to charge a standard Chevrolet Bolt battery to 80%.

Manufactured by Swiss technology company ABB, the station will be available for employees and visitors on-site during a six-month trial period. A decision on whether to expand the station to include more charging points will be made based on the trial's results. Al Ghandi Auto, one of the largest automotive retail groups in the region, is keen to promote the adoption of solar-powered EV chargers and support the development of EV charging infrastructure in the UAE. The company already offers electric vehicles and conventional EV chargers but is now expanding its portfolio to include advanced off-grid EV chargers.

Additionally, the UAE aims to increase the share of EVs on the nation’s roads from 3% in 2023 to 50% by 2050, as part of its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by the same year. A report by the International Energy Agency found that the UAE ranked second in the Middle East for EV sales.

Dominic Hagerty, Chief Executive Officer of Transport and Leasing at Emirates Transport, welcomed the announcement: "This understanding with Al Ghandi Auto enhances operational efficiency through the use of clean energy, setting a new standard for corporate sustainability. We demonstrate how innovative practices can lead to a more sustainable and efficient future by pioneering this advanced solar charging technology at our headquarters. It means we can take the lead in reducing carbon emissions from transportation and contribute to the UAE's efforts to achieve its net-zero targets."

Buti Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi, General Manager of Al Ghandi Auto, added: "Al Ghandi Auto has been at the forefront of providing electric vehicles, with the most efficient ways to charge those vehicles here in the UAE. As solar technologies advance, off-grid solar-powered EV chargers are now a viable solution for sustainable and self-sufficient charging. We are excited to trial this technology with Emirates Transport in a partnership that showcases both parties' commitment to a sustainable future."