Khalifa University Leads Charge in Greener Urban Freight with Landmark AFV Study

Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi has released a groundbreaking study evaluating the adoption of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) to decarbonize road transport in the United Arab Emirates. Published in the Springer journal Energy, Sustainability and Society, the research uses advanced system dynamics modeling to project how electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) could transform the UAE's transportation landscape by 2050. As urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi expand rapidly, freight delivery demands are surging, contributing significantly to the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to align with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 pledge.

The UAE's transport sector accounts for about 19 percent of total emissions, with road freight playing a key role in urban logistics. Heavy reliance on diesel trucks for last-mile deliveries in congested cities exacerbates air pollution and carbon footprints. Khalifa University's work highlights how shifting to AFVs could slash emissions by up to 27 million tons annually while supporting economic growth.

Understanding the System Dynamics Approach

System dynamics modeling, a method that simulates complex interactions over time, forms the core of the study. Researchers Issa Zaiter, Hajar Alshehhi, Ahmad Mayyas, and Raed Jaradat from Khalifa University's Department of Management Science and Engineering constructed scenarios based on vehicle adoption rates, infrastructure development, and policy incentives. The model factors in variables like battery costs declining 14 percent yearly, hydrogen production scaling, and electricity grid decarbonization.

Four policy pathways were tested: a business-as-usual reference case with continued fossil fuel dominance; EV-only adoption; progressive grid decarbonization with EVs; and a hybrid EV-FCEV strategy. Each pathway forecasts market shares, fuel demands, and CO2 outputs through 2050, offering a step-by-step view of transition dynamics.

Key Projections: EVs and FCEVs Reshape UAE Roads

In the ambitious hybrid pathway, EVs capture 50 percent of the vehicle market by 2050, with FCEVs reaching 17 percent. This mix reduces gasoline demand by over 60 percent, creates new electricity needs of 10.7 terawatt-hours annually, and drives hydrogen demand to 0.11 million tons per year. Compared to the reference scenario's 54 million tons of CO2 emissions, the hybrid approach cuts output by 27 million tons—a pivotal step toward net zero.

• EV pathway alone: 18 million ton reduction, reliant on cleaner grids.
• FCEV integration: Addresses heavy-duty freight limitations of battery EVs, ideal for urban trucks with longer ranges.
• Grid decarbonization essential: Solar and nuclear expansion powers AFVs sustainably.

Urban freight benefits immensely, as FCEVs offer quick refueling suited for high-volume deliveries in Dubai's logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port.

UAE's Urban Freight Challenges and Opportunities

Urban freight in the UAE faces unique hurdles: explosive e-commerce growth post-pandemic, with Dubai's logistics market valued at over USD 23 billion in 2026 and projected CAGR of 6.55 percent. Diesel trucks dominate, emitting heavily amid traffic congestion. The study notes infrastructure gaps—only nascent EV charging and no widespread hydrogen stations—mirroring global trends but amplified by desert heat stressing batteries.

Opportunities abound: UAE's UAE Energy Strategy 2050 targets 50 percent clean energy, supporting AFV charging. Initiatives like Dubai's RTA roadmap envision zero-emission public transport by 2050, extendable to freight. Khalifa's prior work, including strategic fueling station placement along highways, complements this by mapping optimal sites for 2-5 hydrogen stations and 3-11 EV chargers.

Policy Pathways: From Reference to Ambitious Transformation

The reference pathway paints a stark picture: emissions climb unchecked as vehicle numbers grow with population and GDP. EV-only moderates this but falls short without grid upgrades. Decarbonized electricity amplifies gains, yet FCEVs are crucial for freight—EVs suit passenger cars, but hydrogen excels for trucks needing 500+ km range without recharge downtime.

Ambitious hybrid demands bold actions:

1. Subsidies reducing AFV costs 20-30 percent.
2. Infrastructure: 10,000+ chargers, hydrogen hubs at ports.
3. Regulations: Phase out diesel imports by 2040.
4. R&D investment: Khalifa's RICH center leads in hydrogen tech.

Stakeholders like ADNOC and DEWA are pivotal, producing green hydrogen via electrolysis.

Challenges: Infrastructure, Costs, and Heat

Adoption barriers include high upfront costs—EVs 20 percent pricier, FCEVs double—though falling globally. UAE's heat (up to 50°C) degrades batteries 20 percent faster, per regional studies. Supply chains for hydrogen lag, with production mostly grey today.

• Solution: Public-private partnerships, as in KU-ADNOC MoUs.
• Workforce upskilling: Engineering programs at Khalifa train AFV specialists.
• Consumer hesitancy: Awareness campaigns needed for fleet operators.

Real-World Case Studies and Global Benchmarks

UAE draws from successes: California's hydrogen corridors cut freight emissions 15 percent; Europe's HyDeal initiative scales green H2. Locally, Dubai trials EV delivery vans, reducing urban emissions 10 percent in pilots. Khalifa's SBRC explores biofuels from desert halophytes, synergizing with AFVs.

Compared to GCC peers, UAE leads: Saudi's Vision 2030 targets 30 percent EV sales by 2030; UAE aims higher via incentives.

Implications for UAE Economy and Jobs

AFV shift creates 50,000 green jobs by 2030 in manufacturing, maintenance, hydrogen production—aligning with UAE Centennial 2071. Logistics firms like Aramex test EV fleets, cutting fuel costs 40 percent. Reduced oil import dependence bolsters energy security.

For universities, KU exemplifies: RICH center's projects position it as UAE's sustainability hub, attracting global talent.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Industry and Policy Voices

Experts praise the study: Toufic Mezher, KU professor, notes fueling integration vital. RTA Dubai eyes FCEV trucks for 2050 zero-emission. Challenges voiced: High H2 costs need subsidies.

Balanced views: Fleet operators wary of range anxiety; solutions via incentives proven in Norway's 80 percent EV adoption.

Future Outlook: Roadmap to 2050 Net Zero

By 2030, 20 percent AFV penetration feasible with current momentum—EV sales up 50 percent yearly. 2050 vision: 100 percent zero-emission new sales. KU's ongoing research, like Basuwaid's hydrogen freight thesis, builds momentum.

Actionable insights: Pilot urban freight corridors in Dubai, scale nationally. UAE's solar abundance powers it all.

Khalifa University's Role in UAE Sustainability

As UAE's top research university, Khalifa integrates AFV studies into curricula—MSE programs train future leaders. Collaborations with ADNOC, DEWA yield pilots. This study underscores KU's impact: Top 1 percent globally in energy research.

Encourages stakeholders: Explore UAE university jobs in sustainable transport.

Photo by Nethmi Muthugala on Unsplash