Al-Futtaim Auto Machinery Company launched the first-ever heavy-duty electric truck in the UAE and Middle East region

In the UAE and the Middle East, Al-Futtaim Auto & Machinery Company (Famco) debuted its first heavy-duty electric vehicle on Tuesday. The truck, made by Volvo, the world's largest automaker, has a 40-ton weight capacity, a 300-kilometer range, and only needs 2.5 hours in DC mode and 9.5 hours in AC mode to fully recharge. Unilever, a big FMCG company, purchased the first batch. It has been tested in both hot and cold climates, according to Ramez Hamdan, managing director for industrial equipment for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar at Famco.

Regarding the financial element, he said that when taking into account the vehicle's downtime and the cost of diesel use, an e-truck's overall cost is far cheaper than that of a truck powered by diesel. Service agreements and a 10-year guarantee are included with the vehicle. The vehicles may be utilized mostly for the logistics and transportation of FMCG products. Owners of electric vehicles now receive free parking as well as a Salik toll gate exemption.

The UAE has been actively pursuing the net zero 2050 goal in many industries, particularly in the transportation space. According to Arthur D. Little, the UAE is rated seventh internationally for electric mobility preparedness.

Three recharge stations have been erected in various locations for the Unilever trucks now.