Iraq is moving forward with plans to introduce electric vehicles through a new pilot project called the Green Taxi Initiative, a joint effort between the Ministries of Environment and Transport.
The project includes the construction of solar-powered charging stations designed to operate independently from Iraq’s national electricity grid. Officials say this approach will reduce charging costs, lower vehicle emissions, and support the country’s broader transition toward clean energy in the transportation sector.
Haider Al-Darraji, Director of the Carbon Economics Company at the Ministry of Environment, said the initiative represents the first step toward building a green economy in Iraq. He emphasized that any future transition away from conventional fuel-powered vehicles must be gradual and carefully managed to avoid placing financial pressure on taxi drivers and the public.
The pilot phase will be closely monitored to assess several key factors, including the number of electric vehicles in service, operational performance, maintenance costs, driver feedback, fuel savings, and reductions in carbon emissions. The results will help authorities determine how to expand the program and develop a nationwide plan for cleaner transportation.
At the same time, the Ministries of Environment and Transport are studying ways to adapt existing transportation facilities to support electric vehicles. Abbas Imran Mousa, Director General of Planning and Follow-up at the Ministry of Transport, said discussions are underway to use parking facilities and transport terminals managed by the General Company for Private Transport Administration.
Under the proposal, selected public transport locations will be equipped with solar-powered charging infrastructure, creating a sustainable transportation network that can operate without increasing pressure on the national power system. Officials view the Green Taxi project as an important first step toward reducing fuel consumption, cutting emissions, and modernizing Iraq’s public transportation sector.
