The silent hum of change: electric taxis hit Dubai’s streets

Once known for its roaring engines and luxury petrol guzzlers, Dubai is now leading the charge—literally—towards cleaner, greener mobility. With over 72% of taxis already hybrid and 200 brand-new all-electric BYD SEALs recently rolled out, the city's taxi fleet is quietly evolving into a sustainable powerhouse. And if the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has its way, by 2027, every taxi in Dubai will be 100% eco-friendly.

This isn’t just about cleaner air. It’s a bold step in line with Dubai’s broader vision for energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and a Net Zero 2050 future. If that sounds ambitious—it is. But this is Dubai we’re talking about, and they’ve never exactly been fans of playing small.

More than a ride—it's a revolution on wheels

So, what makes these electric taxis so game-changing? It’s not just the lack of engine growl or the reduced fuel bill. The BYD SEALs introduced by Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), in partnership with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, are sleek, smart, and impressively efficient—travelling up to 600 km on a single charge. That’s almost Abu Dhabi and back... twice.

The environmental impact? Significant. Dubai’s hybrid taxi fleet alone is already slicing 70,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year. Add the electric newbies to the mix, and you're looking at a transportation system that's quietly cleaning the air while keeping millions moving.

And while most passengers simply enjoy a smoother, quieter ride, behind the scenes, these EVs are cutting operational costs, reducing maintenance headaches, and boosting efficiency across the board. Sustainability, but make it profitable.

Why electric taxis are a marketer’s dream

Here’s where things get even more exciting—for brands, at least. With Taxi Advertising, every ride is a chance to make an impression, and electric taxis are the perfect mobile billboard.

Think about it: EVs naturally draw attention. They're newer, sleeker, and come with that unspoken ‘cool’ factor. A branded wrap on an electric taxi doesn’t just say “We’re here”—it says, “We’re future-ready.” Pair that with in-taxi digital screens, and you've got a dynamic, high-visibility platform that speaks to Dubai’s eco-conscious, tech-savvy population.

Whether you're targeting business travellers zipping from Dubai Airport or tourists exploring the Marina, the exposure is unmatched. And let’s not forget: these taxis are on the road nearly non-stop—over 2 billion km driven annually. That’s a whole lot of eyeballs.

Charging ahead: what's next?

DTC isn’t slowing down. With more than 86% of its current fleet already hybrid or electric, it plans to go fully electric by 2040—beating the RTA’s 2027 deadline in the process. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s a massive opportunity for advertisers looking to align with sustainability trends in a high-impact, visible way.

Even better, EV charging times have dropped from 8 hours to less than 1.5, and hydrogen refuelling stations are cropping up faster than you can say "net zero". That means more time on the road, more ads in motion, and more chances for your brand to be seen.

Get your brand in the fast lane

Electric taxis aren’t just transforming how we move—they're redefining how brands connect with audiences on the go. If your business wants to be part of Dubai’s green mobility revolution, now’s the time to get in the passenger seat (or better yet, on the roof wrap).

Let us help you turn the streets of Dubai into your next big campaign.

Contact us today to electrify your brand visibility.

For more insights and campaign inspiration, explore our formats, see why taxi advertising works, or check out recent success stories.

Sustainability isn’t a buzzword anymore. It’s your brand’s next move. Let’s hit the road.