Abu Dhabi is now hosting the third annual Electric Vehicles Exhibition and Conference, "EVIS 2024," with the backing of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The "Emirates Company for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations" formal launch was one of the most notable events.
Empowering Electric Mobility in the UAE
The third session of the Electric Vehicles Exhibition and Conference “EVIS 2024” commenced in Abu Dhabi recently, supported by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Among the highlights was the official launch of the “Emirates Company for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.” This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Union Water and Electricity Company, aims to revolutionize the electric vehicle infrastructure landscape in the UAE.
Government-Private Sector Collaboration
The newly established company is committed to installing electric vehicle chargers across strategic locations on federal roads and within commercial centers. By the end of the current year, the goal is to deploy 100 chargers, with plans to scale up to over 1,000 chargers by 2030. These chargers boast rapid charging capabilities, with 70% of a vehicle's battery being replenished within a mere 15 minutes. Moreover, until the year's end, charging services will be offered free of charge, after which a unified pricing scheme will be introduced at the national level.
Eng. Sharif Al Olama, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, emphasized the necessity of this infrastructure development, citing feedback from electric vehicle industry leaders who identified the lack of charging stations as a significant barrier to sales. Currently, there are 914 electric vehicle chargers nationwide, predominantly concentrated in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Discussions are underway with various stakeholders to expand this network, including provisions for installing chargers within buildings.
A unified price for charging electric automobiles is now in progress and is expected to be revealed before the year ends. The UAE government has set a goal of having half of all cars on UAE roadways be electric by the year 2050. With a yearly growth rate of 100% over the previous three years, the number of electric cars in the country has increased to almost 40,000, accounting for 13% of all vehicle sales. Improvements to the repair infrastructure, including talks with private sector companies to speed up service and increase availability of replacement parts, are now underway.
The introduction of the Emirates Company for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations marks a significant milestone in the UAE's efforts to embrace sustainable transportation solutions. CEO of the Union Water and Electricity Company, Engineer Yousef Ahmed Al Ali, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the company's commitment to deploying chargers across diverse locations, catering to all types of electric vehicles. Additionally, efforts are underway to standardize charger specifications over the next two years.
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, lauded the collaboration between the government and the private sector, underscoring its role in advancing electric vehicle infrastructure. This partnership is seen as instrumental in fostering the transition towards cleaner transportation methods, aligning with the UAE's vision for climate neutrality by 2050. Ultimately, these initiatives not only reduce emissions but also stimulate economic growth and societal well-being.