Qatar has put environmental sustainability at the centre of its development agenda. Protection of environment is part of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which has set a goal of maintaining a balance between the developmental needs and preserving the natural environment.
The state has put in place an effective legal framework and institutions that work to preserve the country’s environmental heritage. The government has also through a number of initiatives over the years, increased public awareness of the importance of protecting the environment and conserving natural resources.
One of the initiatives to fight climate change is Qatar’s commitment to use of electric vehicles to reduce carbon footprint. Awareness about electric vehicle gained momentum following the FIFA World Cup 2022, where the deployment of electric buses and taxis left an indelible mark on both tourists and locals. Earning a well-deserved position among the top 10 global markets for electric vehicle readiness, Qatar secured the ninth spot on the esteemed Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX) 2023 by Arthur D Little.
Qatar’s Ministry of Transport (MoT) is committed to a fully electric public bus system by 2030. The nation achieved a milestone in 2022 by converting 25% of its public transit bus fleet to electric power. The ministry aims to transition 35% of its total vehicle fleet and achieve 100% electrification of public transport buses by 2030.
As per an estimate of the MoT, the project to transition Qatar’s public transport system to electric vehicles has reduced approximately 43 million kilogrammes of carbon emissions, besides substantially curtailing the noise pollution.
According to Public Transport Director at Mowasalat (Karwa), Ahmed Al Binali, Karwa is currently operating over 900 electric buses across the country. Besides, almost all Karwa taxis are now hybrids, powered by electricity and petrol and about 74 percent of the public transport fleet of the country has become electric.
Meanwhile, the electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are being set up across the country to promote the use of green vehicles. Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) recently installed a fast electric vehicle charging station at Shura Council headquarters with the capacity of 150 kilowatts, which can charge two vehicles at the same time in less than 15 minutes.
With the opening of this new station, the number of EV charging stations in the country is over 200 with an ambitious goal to set up 1,000 stations by 2030. The charging station will make it easier for the Shura Council employees and electric car users to access advanced charging solutions and playing a role in protecting the environment.
