Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations are on the rise in Qatar, with the recent installation of a fast charging station at the Shura Council headquarters. This move is part of the country’s ambitious goal to reduce its carbon footprint and promote the use of green vehicles for sustainability. The new station installed by Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has a capacity of 150 kilowatts and can charge two vehicles simultaneously in less than 15 minutes, bringing the total number of EV charging stations in the country to over 200.
In collaboration with the General Secretariat of Shura Council, Kahramaa aims to complete 1,000 stations by 2030 to support sustainable development and clean technology initiatives. The EV charging station at the Shura Council headquarters will provide employees and electric car users with convenient access to advanced charging solutions, furthering environmental sustainability efforts in the country. Head of the Electric Vehicle Charging Unit at Kahramaa, Muhammad Al Sharshani, emphasized the key role that Kahramaa plays in providing the necessary infrastructure for EV charging stations, in alignment with the National Program for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed).
Through the installation of electric charging stations, Kahramaa seeks to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and enhance environmental sustainability, with each electric car charge saving approximately 7 tonnes of emissions compared to traditional vehicles. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 goals for economic and environmental sustainability, promoting green transportation and cutting carbon emissions through the installation of fast charging stations at various locations such as government buildings, malls, hotels, Woqod stations, and public and private parking areas.
Kahramaa is working in cooperation with the Steering Committee of the National Strategy for Charging Stations for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in Qatar, which includes members from the Ministry of Transport, General Directorate of Traffic, Public Works Authority (Ashghal), and other entities. The committee aims to develop policies and facilitate infrastructure for electric vehicles, with the Ministry of Transport currently studying standards and specifications for EVs in conjunction with relevant bodies to establish technical specifications and safety standards, as well as a center for inspecting and verifying EV conformity and issuing necessary certificates.
Overall, the increase in EV charging stations in Qatar reflects the country’s commitment to sustainable development and clean technology, as well as its efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability in line with national goals. The collaboration between Kahramaa and various government entities demonstrates a unified approach towards promoting green transportation and supporting the use of electric vehicles to create a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future for the country.
