ME and UAE shine in electric vehicles

While the adoption of electric vehicles in the Middle East has been relatively slow, there are encouraging signs of change, especially in the UAE. From the beginning, the UAE government has shown a strong commitment to promoting electric vehicles. One of the major challenges for EV adoption is the availability of reliable and widespread charging infrastructure. To combat this, the UAE is investing heavily in charging stations.

In 2017, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) launched the Green Charger Program with the aim of creating the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles across the emirate. In the years that followed, DEWA installed hundreds of charging stations covering all major highways, residential areas, and commercial centers.

In addition, various incentives such as waived road tolls, free parking and reduced registration fees have been implemented to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.

Major automakers acknowledge that government support plays a vital role in creating an enabling environment for EVs to flourish and will boost confidence among EV owners while attracting more people to consider making the switch.

Carsten Bender, Audi Managing Director, Audi Volkswagen Middle East FZE, said: “To accelerate the transition to electric vehicles in the Middle East by 2023, arrangements such as government incentives, public-private partnerships, campaigns, research and development, and incentives for electric vehicles are of great importance to companies. Collaboration with energy providers is key.” He noted that the UAE’s investment in infrastructure, including charging stations, has encouraged EV adoption and supported the growth of the EV market.

“Additionally, automakers are actively expanding their electric vehicle lineups, offering a variety of models to suit different consumer preferences in the region. Audi plans to expand its all-electric model range to 20 globally by 2025, There’s a vehicle to suit any driver,” adds Bender.

Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company also noted that regionally, the UAE is at the forefront of establishing and growing its electric vehicle industry, while committing to developing a benchmark Green Economy 2050 strategic plan for the world under the UAE’s net-zero emissions. Citing a recent report, Nergiz said the UAE ranks eighth globally in terms of readiness for electric vehicles, and said adoption of electric vehicles has increased significantly over the past few years due to various government policies and incentives. No surprise to bring about this change.

“With 325 charging stations currently operating in the UAE, it has one of the highest charging station-to-vehicle ratios in the world. To further accelerate the EV transition, increasing the number of EV charging stations will be important,” added Nergiz.

The future of electric vehicles in the UAE and the Middle East is promising. Government initiatives, expanding charging infrastructure, partnerships with automakers, integration of renewable energy, and changing societal attitudes are paving the way for a sustainable mobility revolution. With continued government support, investment in charging infrastructure and advancements in battery technology, electric vehicles are expected to become a common sight on the region’s roads.

As the UAE and the Middle East embrace the electric revolution, they will make a significant contribution to global efforts to combat climate change and create a greener future.