Qatar’s Ministry of Transport (Mowasalat) has joined hands with Yutong, a Chinese manufacturer of commercial vehicles, to break ground on its electric bus assembly plant located at Um Al Houl Free Zone. The project aims at establishing a production hub for EU-standard electric buses on a 53,000 sq m area.
This greenfield plant, equipped with state-of-the-art welding, painting, assembly, and testing workshops, will utilize cutting-edge electro-mobility technologies, ensuring efficient and sustainable production processes, said the company in a statement. The construction work is set to be completed by the end of 2025.
By then, the facility will have begun producing electric city buses, metro feeder buses, school buses, and more, with an initial output capacity of 300 buses a year. Over time, the facility will scale up to meet both local demand and the growing needs of international markets across the MENA region and Europe.
The foundation stone for the e-bus assembly plant was today (December 15) laid by Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani at Um Al Houl Free Zone in collaboration between Mowasalat (Karwa) and Yutong.
The groundbreaking ceremony began with the signing of an Enhanced Multilateral Framework Agreement by Qatar Free Zones Authority CEO Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, Mowasalat (Karwa) CEO Ahmad Hassan Al Obaidly and CEO of Yutong Middle East Shen Hui, to establish an integrated e-bus plant at Um Al Houl Free Zone.
Speaaking on the occasion, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Founding an e-bus assembly plant is a major event in terms of supporting the MOT’s efforts of providing ecofriendly transportation solutions with best global operation systems, in step with the goals of the 3rd Qatar National Development Strategy (NDS3), which focuses on sustainable development and advanced technologies, leading to the full realization of the QNV 2030.”
The plant will contribute to achieving the MOT’s strategy of public bus system electrification by 100% by 2030, ensuring less carbon emissions and better quality of life, he noted.
Mowasalat (Karwa) Chairman Dr Saad bin Ahmed Ibrahim Al Mohannadi said: “As part of our commitment to developing sustainable transportation and our success in achieving 73% electrification in the public bus fleet, this initiative reflects our dedication to localizing innovative technologies in Qatar.”
“Through the establishment of this new facility, we reaffirm our leadership in eco-friendly transportation, effectively contributing to achieving a fully electric public transport sector by 2030, in alignment with Qatar’s vision for a more sustainable future,” he added.
Al Thani said these signings and groundbreaking mark a significant step in Qatar’s ongoing efforts to foster industrial and transportation innovation and sustainable development.
“By partnering with global leaders like Yutong, we are not only advancing our economic diversification but also positioning Qatar at the forefront of the global transition to environmentally friendly technologies. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to building a sustainable, future-ready economy in line with the objectives of QNV 2030, and the plans of electric vehicle transformation strategy,” he added.