Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity in Dubai, driven by the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation and environmental stewardship. At the forefront of this transition is the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the sole electricity provider for the emirate. DEWA has played a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of EVs in Dubai through its EV Green Chargers initiative.
Launched to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world, the EV Green Chargers initiative has been instrumental in establishing a comprehensive charging infrastructure across the city.
By installing a growing network of public charging stations, DEWA has made it easier for residents and visitors to embrace electric mobility, contributing to Dubai’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering a greener, more sustainable future.
Charging Forward: The EV Green Chargers Initiative
The EV Green Chargers initiative was launched by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in 2015. The core objectives of this initiative were to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest and happiest city in the world, and to promote sustainable transportation in the emirate.
The initiative focused on creating a comprehensive network of public charging stations across Dubai. DEWA initially installed 100 EV charging stations in highly frequented areas of the city to encourage EV adoption. Since then, the network has expanded to over 300+ charging stations, providing around 600 charge points (ref). DEWA’s target is to have more than 1,000 public charging stations across Dubai by 2025.
The EV Green Chargers initiative offers both slow and fast charging stations to cater to the needs of EV owners. The public charging network primarily comprises 22kW to 43kW Type 2 AC charge points, as well as 50kW to 150kW CCS Combo Type 2 and CHAdeMO DC charge points. These smart, connected charging stations are designed to function effectively in Dubai’s challenging climate.
The availability of both slow and fast charging options provides EV owners with convenient and flexible charging solutions, allowing them to charge their vehicles at their preferred pace and location.
Powering Progress: Achievements and Impact
The EV Green Chargers initiative has been a resounding success, contributing significantly to Dubai’s transition towards sustainable transportation. As of 2023, DEWA has deployed 380 EV charging stations across the city. These stations are equipped with Ultra-Fast, Fast, Public, and Wall-Box Chargers, catering to the diverse needs of EV owners.
Through the EV Green Chargers initiative, DEWA has provided 23,419.821 MWh of electricity for charging EVs in Dubai from 2015 to the end of 2023. This has enabled EVs to travel a cumulative distance of 117 million kilometres, significantly reducing the reliance on fossil fuels for transportation.
The initiative has also played a crucial role in increasing EV adoption in Dubai. The number of registered EVs in the emirate has grown exponentially from just 14 in 2015 to 25,929 by the end of 2023. This rapid growth reflects the success of the initiative in promoting eco-friendly mobility. It aligns with Dubai’s goal of having half of all vehicles on its roads be electric by 2050.
The positive impact of the EV Green Chargers initiative extends beyond just the transportation sector. By encouraging the use of EVs, the initiative has contributed to improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Dubai. This aligns with the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030.
Going the Distance: User Benefits and Experiences
EV owners in Dubai can easily access the DEWA EV Green Chargers network through a seamless user experience. Customers can register their electric vehicles with DEWA and obtain an EV account to get started. This allows them to access a personal dashboard with additional features and information.
Once registered, EV owners can conveniently locate and use the charging stations across Dubai. DEWA’s website and mobile app provide real-time information on the location, availability, and status of the charging stations. Users can simply scan a QR code or use their EV Green Charger card to initiate the charging process at any of the 350+ charging stations installed throughout the city.
The user experience is further enhanced by the transparency in pricing and charging information. Non-commercial EV owners registered in the initiative can enjoy free charging at public stations until the end of 2021, while commercial customers pay a competitive rate of 29 fils per kilowatt-hour. This clarity in pricing helps EV owners plan their journeys and charging needs effectively.
The seamless user experience, widespread availability of charging options, and transparent pricing have all contributed to the success of the DEWA EV Green Chargers initiative, making electric mobility a more accessible and attractive choice for residents and visitors in Dubai.
The Road Ahead: Future Developments and Sustainability
DEWA’s EV Green Chargers initiative has ambitious plans for the future expansion of its charging network. The authority aims to install more than 1,000 public charging stations across Dubai by 2025, significantly increasing the accessibility and convenience for EV owners. This initiative is a crucial component of Dubai’s broader sustainability goals and vision for a greener future. By promoting the adoption of electric vehicles, the EV Green Chargers program directly contributes to reducing the city’s reliance on fossil fuels and cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector.
DEWA’s commitment to sustainable mobility aligns with the UAE’s net-zero emissions target and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030, which aims to have half of all vehicles on Dubai’s roads be electric by 2050. The EV Green Chargers initiative has already made significant strides, with the number of registered EVs in Dubai growing from just 14 in 2015 to over 25,900 by the end of 2023 (ref).
In conclusion, the EV Green Chargers initiative spearheaded by DEWA has been instrumental in driving the transition to electric mobility in Dubai. By providing a comprehensive network of public charging stations, the initiative has made it easier for residents and visitors to embrace eco-friendly transportation options, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for the emirate. As DEWA continues to expand the charging infrastructure and promote the benefits of electric vehicles, the EV Green Chargers initiative will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in realizing Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable development.
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