Connect with us

Automotive

Emirates Transport Announces Off-Grid EV Solar Chargers In Partnership With Al Ghandi Auto

Published

on

Emirates Transport, the UAE’s premium transport solutions provider, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Al Ghandi Auto to install a solar-powered, off-grid, electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its head office. The groundbreaking partnership was announced in Dubai at GITEX Global 2024, the world’s largest tech event, and is in line with Emirates Transport’s sustainability strategy.

It is the first time Al Ghandi Auto has installed a charging station that operates entirely on solar power, and, when completed, will be considered one of the first off-grid solar electric vehicle charging stations in place across the UAE. The new premium technology supports Emirates Transport’s environmental goals and the UAE’s vision for a greener future.

The MoU signed between Al Ghandi Auto and Emirates Transport aims to maximize solar energy for both transportation and facility operations, and will create a self-sufficient energy ecosystem that enhances energy resilience.

The collaboration not only reduces dependence on external power sources but also inspires industry-wide adoption of renewable energy solutions. Work is already underway to install the charging station at Emirates Transport’s head office in Dubai. The solar panels for the single charging point can generate up to 22KW of power and the station takes approximately 1.5 hours to charge the batteries of a standard Chevrolet Bolt to 80%.

The station, manufactured by the Swiss technology firm ABB, will be available for use for staff and visitors at the site during a six-month trial period. A decision on whether to expand the charging station to include more charging points will be taken based on the results of the trial. Al Ghandi Auto, one of the largest automotive retail groups in the region, is keen to promote the adoption of solar EV chargers and support the development of EV charging infrastructure within the UAE.

The company already supplies electric vehicles and conventional EV chargers, but is expanding its portfolio to introduce advanced off-grid EV chargers. The UAE aims to increase the share of EVs on the country’s roads from 3% in 2023 to 50% by 2050 as part of the goal to reach net zero by the same year. A report by the International Energy Agency found that the UAE ranked second in the Middle East for EV sales.

Welcoming the announcement, Dominic Hagerty, Emirates Transport’s Chief Transport and Lease Officer, said: “This agreement with Al Ghandi Autos empowers operational efficiency with clean energy, setting a new standard for corporate sustainability. “By pioneering this advanced solar-charging technology at our head office, we are demonstrating how innovative practices can lead to a more sustainable and efficient future. It means we can take the lead in reducing carbon emissions from transport and helping the UAE reach its net-zero goals.”

Buti Saeed Mohammed Al Ghandi, Managing Director of Al Ghandi Auto, said: “Al Ghandi Auto has been at the forefront of supplying electric vehicles and the most efficient methods of charging those vehicles here in the UAE. “With the advancement of solar technologies, off-grid solar EV chargers are now a viable solution for sustainable, self-sufficient charging. We are excited to trial this technology with Emirates Transport in a partnership that shows both parties are dedicated to a sustainable future.”

Automotive

ZEEKR SETS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ TITLE WITH THE ZEEKR 7X AT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT, CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF INNOVATION

Published

on

The Zeekr 7X has earned a Guinness World Records™ title for the tightest gap passed through whilst drifting an electric car, successfully passing through a gap with an astonishing clearance of just 25 centimetres.

The record was officially achieved at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the exceptional precision, stability, and dynamic control of the Zeekr 7X. The achievement demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Zeekr’s intelligent electric vehicle platform and reinforces the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence and innovation.

The Zeekr 7X’s record-setting performance is underpinned by a combination of advanced chassis engineering and intelligent vehicle control systems. Its front double wishbone suspension delivers exceptional steering precision and responsiveness, faithfully translating driver inputs into accurate vehicle movement. The high-output rear electric motor provides instant, precisely controllable torque, enabling smooth, sustained drifts while allowing fine adjustments to the vehicle’s direction through throttle modulation. Complementing these systems, the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) provides exceptional body rigidity and a low centre of gravity, enhancing stability, balance, and driver confidence under extreme driving conditions.

The record attempt formed the centrepiece of Zeekr’s global celebrations marking its fifth anniversary. Since its launch in 2021, Zeekr has rapidly established itself as a premium intelligent electric mobility brand, continually pushing the boundaries of design, technology, safety, and performance. This latest Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of innovation and serves as a powerful demonstration of the engineering excellence behind the Zeekr 7X.

“Achieving a Guinness World Records title is a proud milestone for Zeekr and a fitting way to celebrate our fifth anniversary,” said Mr. Mars Chen, Vice President of Zeekr. “The Zeekr 7X embodies our commitment to intelligent engineering, precision, and performance. This achievement demonstrates the strength of our technology and reinforces our ambition to continue redefining premium electric mobility through innovation.”

“This Guinness World Records™ achievement reflects the innovation, precision, and performance that define Zeekr,” said Roberto Colucci, Director of Electric Vehicles at AWR Automotive. “We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and to bring the intelligent technology and advanced engineering of the Zeekr 7X to customers across the UAE.”

The celebration continued on 13 June 2026, when more than 200 Zeekr owners, customers, partners, and members of the UAE media gathered at Yas Marina Circuit to commemorate both the world record achievement and Zeekr’s five-year journey. The event brought together the Zeekr community to experience the brand’s latest innovations and celebrate this landmark moment.

As Zeekr enters its next chapter, the company remains committed to accelerating the future of intelligent electric mobility through cutting-edge technology, exceptional craftsmanship, and customer-centric innovation.

Continue Reading

Automotive

UDRIVE CUSTOMERS CROSS 45 MILLION KILOMETRES AS UAE DEMAND FOR CAR SHARING ACCELERATES 

Published

on

Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has strengthened its mobility network across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, as app-based car access becomes a bigger part of how people move across the country. In 2025 alone, Udrive customers have driven more than 45 million kilometres, reflecting rising demand for smarter urban mobility that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s focus on flexible means of transportation.

The growth reflects Udrive’s expanding role as a practical alternative to traditional car rental and private car ownership. The platform now operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles and has completed more than three million rentals to date. In 2025, Udrive recorded over half a million trips, while registrations grew by 14% compared with 2024, indicating stronger adoption among customers seeking on-demand access to vehicles.

Residents make up 90% of Udrive’s customer base, showing how car sharing has become part of daily commuting, errands, weekend plans and short-term transport needs. Retention has strengthened, with active customers for 12 months or more rising from 21% to 32%. Growth across shorter-term segments has also supported higher trip volumes and revenue, pointing to sustained adoption among both new and returning users.

Fleet choice has also expanded; Udrive now offers vehicles from Kia, Ford, BYD and MINI, with Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and Mitsubishi also available on the platform. With the company’s ongoing partnership with AGMC, recent additions include MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, the launch of MINI Convertibles. Udrive has also added hybrid BYD Song and BYD QIN vehicles to its fleet, offering customers premium, lower-emission mobility options.

“At Udrive, our growth is being shaped by customers who want access without the cost and commitment of ownership. Expanding across four emirates and growing our fleet gives residents and visitors the freedom to choose the right car for every journey. Stronger retention shows that flexible mobility is becoming part of daily life in the UAE, while supporting a more practical alternative to private vehicle dependency,” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

As part of its wider network growth, Udrive has added new Business Zones in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, extending coverage across almost every area within its operating network. This gives customers more flexibility to pick up and end trips across key residential, commercial and lifestyle districts, supporting everyday journeys across the UAE’s major urban centres.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

As the UAE’s mobility needs continue to evolve, Udrive will focus on deeper coverage, stronger fleet variety, and partnerships that improve access to flexible transport across the country. The company’s growth strategy is centred on making shared mobility easier to use, more widely available, and more relevant to how residents move across cities every day.

The expanded Udrive network is now live on the app. Customers can open the map, find a nearby car, choose the rental option that fits their journey and start driving in minutes.

Continue Reading

Automotive

Udrive customers cross 45 million kilometres as UAE demand for car sharing accelerates 

Published

on

Udrive, the UAE’s leading car-sharing platform, has strengthened its mobility network across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, as app-based car access becomes a bigger part of how people move across the country. In 2025 alone, Udrive customers have driven more than 45 million kilometres, reflecting rising demand for smarter urban mobility that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s focus on flexible means of transportation.

The growth reflects Udrive’s expanding role as a practical alternative to traditional car rental and private car ownership. The platform now operates a fleet of over 2,000 vehicles and has completed more than three million rentals to date. In 2025, Udrive recorded over half a million trips, while registrations grew by 14% compared with 2024, indicating stronger adoption among customers seeking on-demand access to vehicles.

Residents make up 90% of Udrive’s customer base, showing how car sharing has become part of daily commuting, errands, weekend plans and short-term transport needs. Retention has strengthened, with active customers for 12 months or more rising from 21% to 32%. Growth across shorter-term segments has also supported higher trip volumes and revenue, pointing to sustained adoption among both new and returning users.

Fleet choice has also expanded; Udrive now offers vehicles from Kia, Ford, BYD and MINI, with Toyota, Suzuki, Nissan and Mitsubishi also available on the platform. With the company’s ongoing partnership with AGMC, recent additions include MINI Cooper S and John Cooper Works models, the launch of MINI Convertibles. Udrive has also added hybrid BYD Song and BYD QIN vehicles to its fleet, offering customers premium, lower-emission mobility options.

“At Udrive, our growth is being shaped by customers who want access without the cost and commitment of ownership. Expanding across four emirates and growing our fleet gives residents and visitors the freedom to choose the right car for every journey. Stronger retention shows that flexible mobility is becoming part of daily life in the UAE, while supporting a more practical alternative to private vehicle dependency,” said Hasib Khan, Founder and CEO of Udrive.

As part of its wider network growth, Udrive has added new Business Zones in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman, extending coverage across almost every area within its operating network. This gives customers more flexibility to pick up and end trips across key residential, commercial and lifestyle districts, supporting everyday journeys across the UAE’s major urban centres.

Through the Udrive app, customers can locate, book and unlock a vehicle in minutes, with flexible rental options by the minute, hour, day, week or month. The service is designed around convenience and transparency, with zero deposit, no paperwork, office visits or delivery fees, and inclusive benefits such as free fuel and parking.

As the UAE’s mobility needs continue to evolve, Udrive will focus on deeper coverage, stronger fleet variety, and partnerships that improve access to flexible transport across the country. The company’s growth strategy is centred on making shared mobility easier to use, more widely available, and more relevant to how residents move across cities every day.

The expanded Udrive network is now live on the app. Customers can open the map, find a nearby car, choose the rental option that fits their journey and start driving in minutes.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2023 | The Integrator