UAE Prepares To Trial First Driverless Truck At Dubai South

Dubai South, an urban master developer focused on aviation and logistics, has agreed to host a testing program for driverless trucks, which will be undertaken by Dubai-based firm, Evocargo.

The rigorous tests will take place at the development’s Logistics District and help to create a fleet of vehicles specifically configured for the climate and conditions of the Middle East and North Africa.

An on-site control facility will be built to manage the autonomous trucks, using remote operators and banks of sensors to monitor progress. The initial trials are aimed at “setting new benchmarks and consolidating the leadership status of the country’s logistics sector” and will help Dubai and the region as a whole to scale its logistics and supply chains for a globally-connected future.

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The worldwide autonomous vehicle industry is forecast to pass $1.8 trillion in value by 2030, which represents a staggering growth rate of 39%. The UAE has already undertaken several initiatives to bring driverless vehicles to its roads as part of a broader push toward sustainability and modernization.

As for the Evocargo vehicles, the company’s main truck, the EVO.1, has a lifting capacity of 2,000 kg and can carry six Euro-pallets at 25 kmph. The light truck has a total range of 200 km and can charge from flat in 40 minutes using a special charging station — or up to 6 hours from a regular outlet.

Evocargo’s Dubai South tests will be the company’s first venture into autonomous vehicles as part of a global logistics network, and represent a significant milestone for Dubai as it continues to lead the region as a city of technological innovation.