Home Industry Automotive First hydrogen-powered taxi pilot project launches in Saudi This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aiming to promote the use of modern technologies in transportation by Gulf Business October 24, 2024 Image: Supplied Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA), in collaboration with Abdullah Hashim Industrial Gases & Equipment (AHG), Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), has launched a seven-day trial of the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai as part of a taxi fleet in Jeddah. The initiative, which started on October 20, marks the first use of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the kingdom’s public transport sector, aimed at evaluating hydrogen as a zero-emission fuel alternative. The trial, part of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between TGA, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, and AHG, will assess the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles in Saudi Arabia’s public transportation system. It aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s sustainability goals and carbon neutrality objectives, aiming to increase the share of zero-emission vehicles on the kingdom’s roads to 45 per cent by 2030. Engineer Fawaz Al-Sahli, deputy president of the TGA, stated: “The hydrogen-powered taxi pilot project is a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector. It supports the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, contributing to environmental preservation and enhancing urban living standards.” Hydrogen-powered vehicle to gather key data The Toyota Mirai, which emits only water vapour, will be tested on Jeddah’s roads to gather data on performance, fuel efficiency, and environmental impact. Results will inform future decisions on integrating hydrogen technologies into Saudi Arabia’s public transport, further supporting the kingdom’s carbon neutrality ambitions. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the exclusive distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia, highlighted its commitment to green mobility. “This project supports Saudi Arabia’s objectives to improve transportation efficiency and contribute to environmental sustainability,” said Mazin Ghazi Jameel, MD of Toyota Marketing Operations. Saudi Arabia established its first hydrogen refuelling station in 2019, fuelling an initial fleet of six Mirai vehicles.
