From Electric Buses to Hybrid Taxis: COP28 Transportation Was Sustainability Goals

The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, took place from November 30th to December 12th, 2023, at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The annual event gathered nearly 70,000 delegates, ranging from “business leaders, young people, climate scientists, Indigenous Peoples, journalists, and various other experts and stakeholders”, according to UNFCC website.

The conference aimed to tackle a range of critical issues, spanning from the rise in global temperatures to assisting vulnerable communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change, as well as striving for net-zero emissions by 2050. Amidst these vital discussions, our attention quickly shifted toward the impressive eco-friendly transportation lineup that guests and participants were driven around in.

Unlike other large-scale events, COP28 demanded a greater emphasis on green transportation. And fortunately, it was a huge success.

An eco-conscious look at COP28 transportation

Holding such a massive event comes with a responsibility to minimize the environmental impact, and COP28 took this responsibility seriously when it came to transportation. Ultimately, the sustainable approach to moving thousands of participants in and around Dubai Expo City required innovative solutions that aligned with the conference’s sustainability goals.

The use of a fleet comprising 370 electrified and hybrid passenger vehicles and buses by Al Futtaim Group was a game-changer. These eco-friendly vehicles not only provided efficient transportation but also significantly reduced carbon emissions compared to traditional alternatives. Moreover, Al Futtaim Group went the extra mile by installing its own Charge2Moov charging stations. This added effort provided the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicles at the event.

Here’s a first-look at some of the electric models from COP28:

Volvo 7900 Electric Bus

Image source: The National News

The Volvo 7900 electric bus is making waves on the European continent, revolutionizing public transportation with its innovative features and commitment to sustainability. Sharing the familiar characteristics of a traditional city bus, the 7900 Electric brings a new era of clean and efficient mobility to urban environments. The electric propulsion system ensures a remarkably quiet and smooth ride, with up to 200km of charge. The 7900 Electric bus also offers flexibility in charging options, supporting overhead and plug-in fast charging. 

Polestar 2

Image source: The National News

At the forefront of the COP28 car fleet stands the Polestar 2. This exceptional vehicle distinguishes itself as one of the globe’s most environmentally conscious cars of today, making it a perfect match for the conference. The Polestar brand, whose parent company is Volvo, boosts performance and sustainability; however it’s also designed with user experience in mind. The spacious interior, advanced safety features, and intuitive technology make it a top choice overall.

Han

Image source: The National News

Not often do we see electric brands outside of Tesla on American highways, but there is tremendous expansion happening in the global electric realm. One of those brands in particular,  BYD Auto in China, is pioneering a new lineup of sustainable yet sporty EVs. The flagship model, Han, took the streets of Dubai by storm to transport passengers to and from the event.

Other sustainable transportation options:

In addition to the electric models mentioned above, the COP28 transportation lineup featured a selection of well-received SUV options. Among them were the Toyota RAV4, known for its reliability and versatility, the Volvo XC40, celebrated for its compact luxury, and the Lexus RX 350h, combining elegance with hybrid efficiency. The Atto (produced by BYD Auto) was also present.

Tell in the comments below what you think of these sustainable transportation options!