Hydrogen-Powered Taxis Make Debut in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has launched the pilot phase of its first hydrogen-powered taxis, marking a significant milestone in sustainable transportation. The initiative aligns with the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing clean energy solutions.

Background

Saudi Arabia’s Transport General Authority (TGA) aims to promote sustainable transportation and reduce reliance on traditional vehicles. The project, which the TGA launched on October 23 in Jeddah and Riyadh, is a significant step towards this goal. The TGA, Abdul Latif Jameel Company, and Toyota Motor Corporation collaborated to bring this initiative to life. Abdul Latif Jameel Company is the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, several representatives gathered for the launch. These were Mazin Ghazi Jameel, Managing Director of Toyota Marketing Operations and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. Also present was Eng. Fawaz Al-Sahli, Deputy President of the Transport General Authority. In addition, Omar Bin Hashim Al-Jafri, General Manager of Abdullah Hashim Industrial Gases & Equipment, also signed the agreement.

About hydrogen-powered taxis

The pilot phase features a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, including the Toyota Mirai. These vehicles offer a range of 350 kilometers and can operate up to eight hours per day. For seven days, drivers will test the Toyota Mira on the public roads of Jeddah to collect performance data.

To produce the hydrogen to power these taxis, the vehicles use renewable energy sources, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. Correspondingly, the project aims to reduce carbon emissions and transition to clean energy transportation options.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, including emission-free operation and quiet performance. The project also aims to evaluate the performance and efficiency of hydrogen-powered taxis in real-world conditions.

Because of its design, hydrogen-powered taxis offer high performance and efficiency. With its range and the ability to operate up to eight hours daily, these vehicles are suitable for urban transportation. Moreover, using renewable energy sources for hydrogen production further enhances the environmental benefits of this initiative.

Sustainable mobility solutions

“The launch of the hydrogen-powered taxi pilot project marks a significant milestone as the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia,” remarked Eng. Fawaz Al-Sahli. “This initiative aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, aiming to promote the use of modern technologies in transportation.”

“By increasing the share of zero-emission passenger vehicles on Saudi roads to 45% by 2030, we contribute to environmental preservation and enhance the quality of life in our cities, while also supporting the Authority’s efforts to adopt clean and efficient energy solutions.”

Meanwhile, Nobuyuki Takemura, Chief Representative of the Toyota Liaison Office for Mobility & Energy for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shared: “TMC is proud to see the Toyota Mirai, our cutting-edge hydrogen-powered FCEV, once again drive the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions in the Kingdom.”

“We look forward to the results of this trial and to contributing to Saudi Arabia’s broader public transportation development efforts in the years ahead, and to encouraging the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology within the Kingdom, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and net-zero goals for 2060.”

Apart from the hydrogen-powered taxis, air taxis also made their debut in Saudi Arabia in June 2024. The air taxis will transport Hajj and Umrah pilgrims between King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and hotels in Mecca.

Photo: Saudi Press Agency