Electric buses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are powered by electricity as an alternative to fossil fuels. They were introduced to the Kingdom in 2023 to support the goals of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. This strategy aims to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles by 25 percent by 2030, employ modern methods and technologies in transportation services, and enhance the quality of life by promoting environmentally friendly transportation options in the Kingdom's main cities.
Launching electric buses in Saudi Arabia
The Transport General Authority launched the first electric bus on an experimental basis on February 22, 2023, to serve the residents of Jeddah Governorate. This service joined the public transport routes operated by the Saudi Public Transport Company 'SAPTCO.' On April 6, 2023, the authority launched electric bus services in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah to assist visitors to the Prophet's Mosque and the province's residents. Subsequently, electric buses were launched in Dammam on November 8, 2023, as part of the public transport projects in the Dammam metropolitan area and al-Qatif Governorate. Additionally, the Transport General Authority introduced electric buses in Tabuk Province on August 25, 2024. In September 2023, in cooperation with the Royal Commission for al-Ula and Cluster2 Airports Company, the authority also inaugurated passenger transportation services from al-Ula International Airport using electric buses.
Features of electric buses in Saudi Arabia
An electric bus can travel three hundred km on a single full charge and consumes 10 percent less power compared to other electric buses. The interior is equipped with an air-conditioning system, screens that display details about the journey, and some seats are allocated to serve people with disabilities.
The bus provides a comfortable experience while emitting no pollutants or carbon emissions. Each bus is equipped with a battery capable of withstanding temperatures up to eighty °C and a charger that can fully recharge the battery within a maximum of three hours. It also features an integrated hydraulic system that ensures a smooth ride and facilitates easy boarding and disembarkation for passengers.
The electric bus combines efficiency, comfort, and advanced technologies, featuring thirty-seven seats and a high-efficiency 420 kW battery that enables continuous operation for up to eighteen hours, accommodating up to seventy-three trips daily. Additional amenities include Wi-Fi and USB ports installed throughout the bus.
Electric buses in Saudi airports
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) introduced electric buses to Saudi airports, starting with King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah on July 5, 2022. These buses, operated by Saudi Amad for Airport Services and Transport Support (SaaS), were launched to facilitate passenger transportation. Each bus can accommodate nearly 110 passengers and meets passenger security and safety standards. It is also equipped with an air-conditioning system and includes a designated area for individuals with disabilities, providing them with safe, independent mobility. These buses are designed to be quiet and environmentally friendly, as they do not emit pollutants, particularly carbon emissions, due to their electric operation. They are equipped with various technologies, including batteries that can withstand temperatures up to eighty °C.
On June 29, 2022, Tibah Airports Operation Company and 'SaaS' Company launched fully electric buses to transport passengers at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in al-Madinah al-Munawwarah. These buses are approximately nine m long and boast a durable yet lightweight aluminum structure. They feature batteries with a cooling system to extend their lifespan and improve capacity, even in high external temperatures.
Additionally, on August 11, 2024, Riyadh Air launched its fleet of electric buses to transport employees in collaboration with the National Transport Solutions Company 'NTSC.'
Electric buses for transporting mail
On November 22, 2023, Saudi Post 'SPL,' through its subsidiary 'Naqel,' introduced electric transport trucks after receiving a license from the Transport General Authority. This marks the first step in SPL's plan to transition its fleet to electric trucks by 2040. The initiative aims to reduce the costs of the company's logistics operations by gradually decreasing fuel consumption.
Manufacturing of electric buses in Saudi Arabia
In 2022, Tatweer Transportation Services Co.—the executive branch of the Ministry of Education responsible for school transportation services—signed an agreement with the Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company, 'Dussur,' and the Chinese company 'CHTC KINWIN.' This partnership aims to establish a bus manufacturing factory in Jeddah City, with a projected production capacity of three thousand buses annually, including electric buses. This production is set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024. The factory will also produce buses equipped with advanced engine technologies, including hydrogen engines, as well as traditional internal combustion engines (gasoline and diesel). These buses will serve various sectors, including education, public transportation, Hajj and Umrah, and tourism.
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