The UAE has launched UAEV, the nation's first government-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging network, spanning all seven emirates.
A joint venture between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity, it aims to install 100 charging units by year-end and 1,000 by 2030, anticipating a reduction of 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by then. UAEV will offer free 160kW fast-charging points until year-end, making EV adoption more appealing and accessible to the community, including taxi drivers, with plans to establish strategic locations across the UAE.
During the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit at ADNEC, Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI and chairman of UAEV, highlighted the growing global shift towards EVs, with sales reaching 10 million units in 2022. The partnership aims to meet the rising demand for EV infrastructure in the UAE, making it more accessible for residents to embrace sustainable transportation. Charging stations will be strategically deployed in public spaces, workplaces, shopping centers, and residential areas, ensuring convenience and reliability for drivers of all backgrounds.
Badr Mohammad Rabia Al Awadhi, head of sustainability at EtihadWE and UAEV program lead, highlighted the economic opportunities associated with deploying EV infrastructure, emphasizing job creation.
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and UAEV board member, aims to install 100 EV chargers by 2024 and 1,000 by 2030. Charging units will be strategically placed in malls, supermarkets, and governmental buildings to facilitate convenient charging during daily activities, with a focus on fast and ultra-fast charging solutions to accelerate EV adoption. A 24X7 customer service call center and a dedicated app will provide users with essential location information.
The International Energy Agency forecasts EV sales to rise from 15% in 2023 to nearly 40% by 2030. UAEV has begun deploying EVs in Ajman, with plans for additional installations nationwide. This sustainable transport infrastructure aligns with the nation's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, aiming to drive economic growth.
News Source: Khaleej Times
