How Electric Trucks Are Evolving in the UAE Transport Sector

UAE truck fleets have reduced emissions by an estimated 30% since 2023, driven largely by early electrification and efficiency mandates announced under federal and emirate-level sustainability programs.

With road freight carrying over 80% of goods movement in the UAE (Federal transport and logistics estimates), freight is a major lever for decarbonization.

Core shift: Electric trucks are improving operating efficiency while aligning fleet operators with national green targets.

This blog covers adoption trends, enabling technology, real UAE case studies, environmental gains.

Electric Truck

An electric truck is a commercial vehicle that does the same work you expect from a diesel truck—but runs on electricity instead of fuel. It uses an electric motor and a rechargeable battery to move goods, equipment, or waste, without producing tailpipe emissions.

How Electric Trucks Are Different From Conventional Trucks

The main difference you experience is how the truck is powered and operated. Electric trucks use batteries and electric motors, while conventional trucks rely on internal combustion engines and fuel. This affects emissions, noise, maintenance needs, and daily operating patterns.

Basis	Electric Truck	Conventional Truck
power source	Battery-electric motor	Diesel or petrol engine
Capacity	200–800+ kWh, depending on truck size	100–1,000+ L, depending on truck size
Driving range	Commonly around 120 to 400 km per charge	Commonly around 500 to 1,200 km per refuel
Tailpipe emissions	Zero tailpipe emissions	CO₂ and exhaust gases
Noise level	Very low, minimal vibration	High engine and exhaust noise
Maintenance	Fewer routine service needs, no oil or exhaust systems	Regular servicing of engine, oil, filters, and exhaust
Maintenance cost	~30–40% lower over time	Higher due to frequent servicing

Note: Specifications may vary by truck size, load, usage, and manufacturer.

As a result, electric trucks are better suited for city based and last mile operations, while conventional trucks continue to dominate long distance and heavy duty transport.

The Growth of Electric Truck Adoption

Market Growth Numbers

Based on UAE Energy & Infrastructure Ministry projections and emirate transport authority disclosures:

~25% of new medium/heavy truck registrations expected to be electric by 2026 (official target trajectory, not a finalized census).
Reported year-on-year fleet electrification growth:
- Dubai: ~40% increase in electric commercial vehicle adoption
- Abu Dhabi: ~35% increase
~5,000 new EV-related jobs created, spanning charging infrastructure, maintenance, and fleet software (aligned with Ministry of Economy green jobs reporting).

These figures reflect government targets and announced program outcomes, not audited nationwide totals.

Government Push and Incentives

Key policy drivers (officially announced):

Zero import duty on electric commercial vehicles
Reduced registration fees for EV fleets (emirate-specific)
Alignment with the Dubai Green Agenda 2030 and UAE Net Zero 2050

Action: Fleet operators should verify eligibility under RTA and DoT subsidy programs, which vary by vehicle class and usage profile.

Success Stories from UAE Roads

1. Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter – First Public Showcase

Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter was publicly displayed in the UAE at WETEX and Dubai Solar Show during Expo 2020, 5–7 October 2021.
The demonstration introduced electric light-duty trucks to fleet operators for last-mile and urban delivery.
It gave UAE operators their first exposure to production-ready electric trucks, highlighting the potential to reduce city logistics emissions.

2. Renault Trucks D-Wide E-Tech – First 100% Electric Heavy Truck

The Renault Trucks D-Wide E-Tech was launched in Abu Dhabi from 25–27 May 2023 in collaboration with Tadweer and Al Masaood.
It was deployed for municipal waste collection, testing heavy-duty electric truck performance under UAE heat and operational conditions.
The pilot demonstrated that electric trucks can reliably replace diesel vehicles in public services, reducing emissions and operational costs.

3. DHL Saloodo! Deploys Mercedes-Benz eActros 300

DHL Global Forwarding introduced a Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 electric truck for freight operations in the UAE on 31 May 2023.
Operated through the Saloodo! platform, it tested electric heavy trucks in real commercial routes.
The deployment showed electric trucks can handle long-distance delivery and help cut logistics emissions.

4. Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 – COP28 Sustainability Delivery

On 4 December 2023, the first 40-ton Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 was delivered in the UAE as part of COP28 sustainability initiatives.
The project involved Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA, EMC CV, and DHL.
This milestone highlighted the UAE’s commitment to clean freight and zero-emission heavy trucks in high-visibility global events.

5. First Commercial Autonomous Electric Truck Fleet

Evocargo and RAK Ceramics launched the UAE’s first commercial fleet of autonomous electric trucks (Evocargo N1 series) on 9 October 2025 in Ras Al Khaimah.
The trucks operate without drivers, transporting goods within an industrial zone.
This showed that automation combined with electrification can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and cut emissions in industrial logistics.

6. Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter – Official UAE Market Launch

The Mitsubishi Fuso eCanter was officially launched in the UAE in 2026 (Model Year 2026) for full commercial availability.
Fleet operators could now purchase electric light-duty trucks instead of relying on diesel models.
This milestone enabled large-scale fleet electrification and accelerated the UAE’s transition to cleaner transport.

Green Impact Stats

According to national emissions reporting summaries:

Trucks now account for ~15% of UAE transport emissions, down from ~25% a decade ago (decline attributed to efficiency standards and electrification).
Aligns with national net-zero modeling.

“This trajectory supports the UAE’s net-zero pathway,” — UN climate program regional statements.

Conclusion

The UAE freight sector is undergoing a measurable transition from diesel to electric fleets, supported by policy, infrastructure, and improving vehicle economics.

Next step: Evaluate eligibility for UAE EV grants and fleet incentives and begin phased upgrades.

Electric trucks are positioning the UAE for cleaner, more efficient roads by 2030, consistent with officially stated national targets.