Nine-Day Tesla Roadtrip Highlights Eco-friendly Technologies

A trip that covered nine days, 2,000 kilometers, seven emirates, two countries, and over 20 new charging points highlighted the immense contribution that Tesla has made to the world of sustainable mobility. The 2018 edition of the Electric Vehicle Road Trip (EVRT) Middle East came to a successful close on January 26 and culminated in a celebratory event attended by hundreds of UAE families and dignitaries including H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, renowned racing legend Doug Herbert, Alex Hirschi AKA Supercar Blondie, and Ben Pullen, Managing Director of Global EVRT held at the Sustainable City in Dubai.

The grand finale event served as the perfect podium for visitors to learn more about electric cars, eco-friendly technologies and sustainable living. The convoy made what is billed as longest road trip in the Middle East without using a single drop of petrol.

The first leg of the trip involved going from Dubai to Madinat Zayed before moving on to Sohar in Oman and then Muscat, the country’s capital where discussions were set up with key government and industry officials. Companies like Nama Group supported the charging stations built by Green Parking and served as sponsors of the road trip and The Future of Mobility Roundtable which was held as part of Global EVRT in Muscat. This was the first such event of its kind that was held in the Sultanate of Oman.

Another welcome outcome of the 2018 event was the establishment of a new network of permanent charging stations. These stations were set up along the route for the trip by GreenParking and will leave a lasting legacy for the future of electric mobility in the region. They included some of the first charging points in Oman at various locations like IHG Crowne Plaza and Intercontinental Hotels as well as in the UAE.
Then, it was time for fun as the first ever EV vs. Petrol drag race in the UAE was held at the Ras Al Khamiah Race Track, after the convoy returned across the border. The Tesla S85D model emerged as the winner in the race, proving that EVs are as good as petrol cars. Evs had three wins in the race. The convoy returned to Dubai after passing through Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah.
Commenting on the trip, Ben Pullen, Managing Director of Global EVRT said: “Electric vehicles are a key part of the future of mobility and transportation in the Middle East and we’re proud to leave a lasting legacy in the new network of state-of-the-art charging stations built along the route of the 2018 edition of EVRT Middle East to compliment the ongoing efforts of the government and private organisations.”
He said that the organization’s mission to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles for the creation of smart and sustainable societies is now a reality, thanks to the initiatives of the UAE and Oman governments, and its key partners like Chevrolet, Nama Group, Emirates NBD, The Sustainable City, GreenParking and IHG, which contributed significantly to the infrastructure needed for the event.
The convoy comprised 10 EVs including a trio of Chevrolet Bolt EVs and Tesla X and S models, and had over 60 participants.