ENOC, Drive Terra to launch UAE’s largest battery swapping network

ENOC Group has announced a strategic partnership with Drive Terra to deploy a network of battery-swapping stations across the UAE.

The collaboration, designed to support the country’s green energy initiatives, focuses on supporting the growing demand for eco-friendly last-mile delivery solutions, particularly through e-bikes.

The partnership, which is set to establish one of the largest battery-swapping infrastructures in the region, will support the UAE’s broader environmental objectives, particularly its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.

By promoting the adoption of electric bicycles (e-bikes) for urban deliveries, the initiative aims to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency in a rapidly evolving logistics sector.

Sustainability at the core

Saif Humaid Al Falasi, group CEO of ENOC, highlighting the agreement’s role in advancing sustainable transportation solutions, said, “We are delighted to partner with Drive Terra to advance sustainable and innovative smart transportation solutions. The deployment of battery swapping stations significantly advances sustainable last-mile delivery, benefiting communities and contributing to global sustainability efforts.”

The establishment of a robust battery-swapping network is set to address key challenges in last-mile delivery, such as the high cost of batteries, long recharging times, and limited operational range.

The ‘Batteries-as-a-Service’ model, championed by Drive Terra, allows e-bike operators to easily swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones, making electric delivery vehicles more viable and efficient. This will not only accelerate e-bike adoption but also set a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure in the UAE.

Milestone year for Drive Terra

Husam Zammar, founder of Drive Terra, echoed the excitement about the collaboration, noting that the partnership with ENOC marks a significant step forward in transforming the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in the MENA region. “Our collaboration with ENOC is an exciting step toward transforming the EV landscape in the MENA region,” Zammar stated. “We developed MENA’s leading solution for battery swapping services, and 2024 has been a milestone year for TERRA, highlighted by our strategic partnership with ENOC.”

The startup’s innovative approach to battery-as-a-service allows users to bypass the financial and operational burdens typically associated with electric vehicles, such as the upfront cost of batteries and the time-consuming process of recharging them.