The UAE has marked a significant milestone in its sustainability journey with the official launch of UAEV, the first government-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Abu Dhabi.
A Government-Owned EV Charging Network
This initiative, a collaboration between the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE), extends across all seven emirates, aiming to boost the nation's EV infrastructure significantly.
The joint venture has ambitious plans to install 100 charging units by the end of this year, with a target of scaling up to 1,000 units by 2030. The UAEV project is a critical component of the UAE's broader sustainability goals, expecting to reduce CO2 emissions by 100,000 metric tons by 2030—comparable to planting 1.8 million trees. This reduction is crucial for the UAE's commitment to environmental conservation and achieving its Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
Features and accessibility
The public, including taxi drivers, will have access to the 160kW fast-charging points that are part of the UAEV network. Public locations, businesses, retail sites, and homes will all play a role in the distribution of these charging stations in the United Arab Emirates. Up to the year's end, the charging service will be offered at no cost. After that, the exact price will be determined. By easing the transition for individuals who have already invested in electric vehicles and encouraging early adoption, this free period aims to make the switch more appealing.
Electrical vehicles will play a pivotal part in the transportation landscape of the future, according to Eng. Sharif Al Olama, chairman of the UAE Vehicles and Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Industry (MoEI). A goal for sustainable housing and heightened community awareness of environmental issues were both emphasized by him. Electric vehicle sales are expected to reach 10 million units in 2022, which is five times the sales in 2019. This was highlighted by Al Olama at the kickoff ceremony at the Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit at ADNEC.
The head of sustainability at EtihadWE and the leader of the UAEV initiative, Badr Mohammad Rabia Al Awadhi, highlighted the numerous job prospects and substantial economic benefits that would result from the installation of infrastructure for electric vehicles. The objective, according to Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and a board member of UAEV, is to deploy chargers in convenient places like malls, supermarkets, and government buildings so that electric vehicle charging becomes an inherent part of your life. The goal of this emphasis on rapid and ultra-rapid charging options is to answer the need for speed and convenience among customers, which will increase the attractiveness and practicality of owning electric vehicles.
The transition to EVs is not just a local initiative but part of a global movement towards sustainable transport. According to the International Energy Agency, the sales share of EVs is projected to grow from 15 percent in 2023 to nearly 40 percent by 2030. The first set of UAEV chargers has already been deployed in Ajman, with more installations planned across the UAE in the coming months.
Commitment to a Sustainable Future
Eng. Al Ali reaffirmed the joint venture’s commitment to fostering a cleaner future, stating that the establishment of EV infrastructure is crucial for unlocking economic growth and supporting the nation's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The UAEV network, with its customer-centric approach, including a 24/7 customer service call center and an informational app, is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the UAE’s transportation landscape.
Through UAEV, the UAE is taking concrete steps towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
