Blacklane Middle East expands all-electric fleet tenfold

Luxury chauffeur hailing service Blacklane Middle East has announced a tenfold increase in its all-electric fleet size ahead of the COP28 summit in the UAE.

Having launched in the UAE in March 2023, Blacklane says that the expansion includes Mercedes EQS-SUVs.

It adds that there has been a surge in demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the region, with the service reporting a 200 per cent increase in ride volumes during the last quarter.

Blacklane’s focus on ESG

To accompany the growth in its fleet, Blacklane has also increased the number of its chauffeurs, particularly female chauffeurs. It says that a total of 120 chauffeurs have completed their training at Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy which includes theoretical and simulator-based training and trains for soft skills too.

Over 50 per cent of them are female chauffeurs, and the company says that it plans to further increase their representation within the next quarter.

In the UAE, Blacklane Middle East operates a dedicated fleet and provides both on-demand and pre-booked rides in Dubai.

Its services extend to other emirates too including Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah.

All Blacklane rides globally are 100 per cent carbon neutral since the firm offsets all carbon emissions from every journey.

“We are witnessing an exhilarating phase of expansion in our business with remarkable tenfold growth of our dedicated all-electric fleet since March 2023. The introduction of our newest fleet member, the Mercedes EQS-SUVs, directly reflects the high calibre of services that Blacklane Middle East is committed to delivering,” said Nicolas Soucaille, general manager of Blacklane Middle East.

“Operating in Dubai, a city that champions eco-innovation, has empowered us to not only expand rapidly but also to lead the charge in sustainable luxury travel. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this green revolution, ensuring that our growth is in harmony with the region’s environmental goals,” added Soucaille.

Blacklane’s international footprint

Internationally, Blacklane is operational in more than 50 countries and has expanded its city-to-city service to almost 200 routes.

Blacklane has quadrupled its global revenues to EUR200m in 2022. It follows the recent close of its Series F funding round.

The company raised a total of US$36m from shareholders Al Fahim Group, Gargash Group, Mercedes-Benz Mobility and Sixt. It also entered a strategic partnership with Sixt with plans drawn up for the two to jointly work on expanding their footprint in international markets.

Read: 7 ride-hailing apps to zip you around Dubai with a coffee and chauffeur on call

This article originally appeared on Business Traveller Middle East