Kamal Ghorui
In January 2026, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled a milestone in sustainable transport: the arrival and imminent deployment of Zhongtong electric buses capable of operating up to 280 kilometres on a single charge on urban routes. This development, part of a 735-bus procurement plan that includes 40 electric units, marks one of the largest and most advanced electric public-bus deployments in the UAE to date. It reflects Dubai’s accelerating commitment to zero-emission mobility and its broader climate strategy for 2050.
Zhongtong electric buses : A first for Dubai’s urban roads
At the heart of this initiative is the Zhongtong electric bus, a 12-metre, custom-designed vehicle tailored to Dubai’s climate and operational conditions. Powered by a 434 kWh battery and supported by 360 kW ABB fast chargers, the buses can cover daily routes without having to return to depots for recharging. That 280 km range on a single charge is a major leap for electric public buses in the region, where high temperatures and intensive daily service patterns have previously limited operational efficiency.This deployment makes Dubai one of the first Gulf cities to run electric buses at this scale, with enhanced range and performance that can sustain an entire day’s worth of urban service before needing replenishment.
Zhongtong electric buses as a part of Dubai’s broader green transport strategy
The Zhongtong buses are not a standalone effort. They form a part of the RTA’s Zero-Emission Public Transport Strategy 2050, which aims to transform Dubai’s transit network into a fully zero-emission system by mid-century. Under this strategy, the goal is for all public buses, taxis and limousine services to run on electric or hydrogen power by 2050, supporting wider national climate objectives, including climate neutrality and carbon-footprint reduction.
The Zhongtong electric bus, the first of its type to be operated on Dubai’s urban routes, has been tailor-made to suit Dubai’s operating conditions, with a single-charge operating range of up to 280 km, enabling it to complete daily services without returning to depots for… pic.twitter.com/kvcGq5JCvC— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 18, 2026
