The Ministry of Transport’s initiative to switch Qatar’s public transportation system to electric cars has reportedly cut carbon emissions by about 43 million kilogrammes, according to a top official.
Mowasalat (Karwa) Public Transport Director Ahmed Al Binali, said, “The electric buses also have almost zeroed the noise pollution in a way that the manufacturers had to create an artificial bus sound to alert pedestrians that an electrified vehicle is headed in their direction.”
In an interview with Qatar Radio, he stated that Mowasalat (Karwa) operates more than 900 electric buses throughout the nation as part of its audacious plan to transition all public vehicles to electric power by 2030 in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
“There are about 30 electric limousines and almost all Mowasalat (Karwa) taxis are hybrids powered by electricity and petrol. About 74% of the public transport fleet of the country has become electric. We are offering services for public transport across the country including Metro link services,” Ahmed Al Binali said.
He also said that in 2022, Mowasalat (Karwa) began utilising electric buses for public transportation, resulting in an approximate 8 million kilogramme reduction in carbon footprint.
“More electric buses were added in 2023 which contributed to cutting carbon emission by 43 million kg,” he added.
As part of Qatar’s sustainability goal, he claimed that the figure shows the advantages of electric buses for environmental preservation.
Regarding driverless cars, he mentioned that Mowasalat (Karwa) conducted three tests of driverless buses in Doha.
“We tested an autonomous bus at Lusail Depot where some people were transported safely. Another test was made at Qatar Foundation for a week where we had very exciting experiences. We wish to have autonomous buses operating across the country,” Al Binali noted.
He responded to a question concerning localising technologies by saying that Mowasalat (Karwa) coordinates weekly with the Ministry of Transport to carry out this and other projects that advance the nation’s vision for the ministry.