The launch of UAEV, the first government-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Abu Dhabi, marks a significant step towards a sustainable future. The joint venture between the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity aims to install 100 charging units by the end of 2022, with plans to scale it to 1,000 units by 2030. This initiative is expected to reduce 100,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2030, equivalent to planting 1.8 million trees. The strategic locations of the charging points will be publicly accessible and free of cost until the end of the year, making it attractive for current EV owners and encouraging others to switch to electric vehicles.
The UAEV network will offer 160kW fast-charging points spread across the seven emirates, ensuring easy access for community members, including taxi drivers. The availability and accessibility of these charging stations are crucial as EV car sales have seen a significant increase globally, reaching 10 million units in 2022. The partnership between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity will make it easier for UAE residents to go green and meet the increasing demand for EV infrastructure. The focus on deploying charging stations in public spaces, workplaces, shopping centers, and residential areas will ensure that drivers from all walks of life have convenient and reliable access to charging facilities.
The head of sustainability at Etihad Water and Electricity, Badr Mohammad Rabia Al Awadhi, highlighted the economic opportunities that come with the deployment of EV infrastructure, including job creation. The CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and board member of UAEV, Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, emphasized the JV’s goal to roll out 100 EV chargers by the end of 2024 and reach 1,000 units by 2030. The strategic installation of charging units in malls, supermarkets, and governmental buildings will make it easy for users to charge their vehicles while going about their daily activities. The focus on fast and ultra-fast charging solutions aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the UAE and make EV ownership more appealing and practical.
With the sales share of EVs expected to grow from 15% in 2023 to almost 40% in 2030, according to the International Energy Agency, the deployment of EV infrastructure by UAEV is crucial in supporting the nation’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The first set of EVs from UAEV has already been deployed in Ajman, with plans to install more units in the coming months across the country. The sustainable transport infrastructure is designed to unlock economic growth and pave the way for a cleaner future. The focus on advanced charging options, 24X7 customer service, and an app with all necessary information of locations aims to meet customer demand for speed and convenience, ultimately accelerating the adoption of EVs in the UAE.
In conclusion, the launch of UAEV marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable future. The government-owned EV charging network aims to reduce CO2 emissions, promote the adoption of electric vehicles, and support the nation’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. With plans to install 1,000 charging units by 2030 and strategic locations across the UAE, UAEV will play a crucial role in making EV infrastructure accessible to all residents. The focus on fast and reliable charging solutions, economic opportunities, and customer convenience will drive the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the UAE, ultimately paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.
