Slowly but surely, the need for being more environmentally friendly and reducing our carbon footprint is beginning to sink in here in UAE. Dubai has invested heavily in its public transport infrastructure to entice more people away from their cars and onto buses, trains and taxis.

Twenty hybrid cars have joined the fleet of Dubai Taxi as part of the Roads Transport Authority's (RTA) efforts to adopt green transport solutions. The Toyota Camry taxis shift between petrol and electricity, consuming 33 per cent less fuel and reducing CO2 emissions by 33 per cent.

Powered by a unique technology that doesn't require the vehicles to be plugged for recharge, the vehicles recharge their electric batteries while running and through the braking system.

While the initial deployment is small, the positive development needs to be looked at as the first stage in a comprehensive plan to use more eco-friendly vehicles in the emirate.  The launch comes following a pilot phase of hybrid taxis that took place between 2008 and 2011, involving 10 vehicles.

Results of the pilot project have shown that the vehicles have been driven for more than 550,000 kilometres without breakdowns or major maintenance of the main parts in the vehicle. It also showed that the vehicles are safe and efficient 

It?s the same Toyota Camry that we see on the road, the only difference is that the hybrid vehicles are powered by petrol and electricity. Apart from this there is no difference. People won?t even realise whether at a given moment the vehicle is being powered by petrol or electricity  .The vehicle seamlessly moves from electric power to petrol once it exceeds the speed of 70 km/h.

These vehicles are very smart and efficient. As the car moves the batteries constantly charge themselves. They don?t require any plug in to recharge their electric batteries. Additionally, the vehicle?s braking system also helps charge the batteries 

The launch of hybrid vehicles is one of the several steps RTA is taking to support Dubai Government?s efforts for a greener and cleaner .

More hybrid taxis are likely to join the fleet in the future .

Comparison between Conventional and Hybrid Taxi: