Twelve electric cars start 2,000-km trip to spread the green message

A convoy of electric cars has embarked on an eight-day trip, covering 2,000 kilometres through the UAE and Oman.
Set off from the World Future Energy Summit, part of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) on Thursday afternoon, the twelve-car convoy will drive through the deserts of Abu Dhabi, the mountains of Oman and return along the rugged coastline of the Northern Emirates.
On the first day of the trip, there was an EV drag race at Yas Marina Circuit. The electric cars will go on a 520-km trip from Abu Dhabi to Muscat on Friday.
The convoy will then return through Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah to its final destination at the Sustainable City in Dubai on January 24. There will be more than 18 charging stations along the route.
The third edition of Electric Vehicle Road Trip (EVRT) Middle East expedition has involved around 60 road-trippers in Teslas, Chevrolet Bolts and Renault Zoes.
The participating teams will be judged based on time and battery efficiency during the entire trip and the most efficient electric vehicle will be announced on the final day at Sustainable City in Dubai.
"I am so excited to launch this third expedition of the electric cars. This is an indication of how technology has evolved in the UAE over the years," Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy, said during the launch of the trip.
The minister said that the UAE started the installation of electric-car charging systems at various places before any other country in the region, and with the introduction of more electric cars, the cost of charging has been reduced.
"The government will continue to promote all types of conservation drives in the country as we look forward towards sustainabilty," said Al Mazroui.
Emirati social media influencer Khalid Al Ameri, who is one of the drivers participating in this year's electric vehicle road trip, told Khaleej Times that besides having fun, he's keen on getting first-hand experience on the mobility of electric cars on a long journey.
"I am driving along with my family in this small electric car. I believe that driving an electric car during this long trip is the perfect way to fully appreciate the capabilities of the technology that is shaping the future of transport," said Al Ameri.
"I want to see first-hand how well the cars handle the open road, especially over long distances."
Ben Pullen, managing director of Global EVRT, said: "An electric car travelling such a long distance reflects a big milestone in the electric vehicle industry, and shows growth towards smarter mobility."
The cars, which can travel as far as 500km on a full charge (depending on make and model), will be recharged using a network of charging stations offered by Green Parking company.
Sam Alawiye, CEO of Green Parking, said: "When electric cars were introduced, we took on the task of installing car charging systems in major places across the UAE.
"We have so far installed 400 charging systems at hotels and major shopping malls in the UAE to support motorists with electric cars." Alawoye said his company has been installing charging stations in various areas during the past EVRT expeditions and that they will be rolling out more in this eight-day road trip.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

I am so excited to launch this third expedition of the electric cars. This is an indication of how technology has evolved in the UAE over the years."
Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy
I am driving along with my family in this small electric car. I want to see first-hand how well the cars handle the open road, especially over long distances."
Khalid Al Ameri, Emirati social media influencer
400
Charging stations for EVs are installed in the UAE
Route and timetable
>Day 1 (Jan 17, Thursday) - Launch of EVRT Middle East at the WFES eMobility Forum in Abu Dhabi and EV drag race at Yas Marina Circuit
>Day 2 (Jan 18, Friday) - 520km road trip from Abu Dhabi to Muscat
>Day 3 (Jan 19, Saturday) - Tour of Wadi Shab in Oman
>Day 4 (Jan 20, Sunday) - Tour of Muscat and eMobility Forum at Hormuz Grand
>Day 5 (Jan 21, Monday) - 450km road trip from Muscat to Ras Al Khaimah
>Day 6 (Jan 22, Tuesday) - 180km road trip from RAK to Dubai
>Day 7 (Jan 23, Wednesday) - Cultural tour of Dubai
>Day 8 (Jan 24, Thursday) - eMobility Forum and Festival in Dubai's Sustainable City
 

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi