The Greener Future of EVs

Lara Barbary Partner lara.barbary@bsabh.com

On the back of Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS), the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) announced on Wednesday May 25th the introduction of a new regulatory policy for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the emirate.

This is a substantial step forward towards the goal of meeting the UAE’s ‘Net-Zero by 2050’ strategic initiative targeting 44% clean energy.

The policy sets out the stipulations and criteria for establishing a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the emirate including the principles of ownership, installation, management of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), supply of electricity to EVSE and the pricing mechanism to end users.

There is no doubt that such positive steps will incentivize residents and support the growth of EV use in the UAE exponentially. Currently, the energy demand comes largely from industry, rather than individuals, therefore such steps will “support the transition of our transport sector towards electricity and away from fossil fuels”. 

Range Anxiety
A common concern for potential EV customers is ‘range anxiety’, whereby there is a worry that they will not be able to charge their EV, away from home. With the country implementing new technologies, it is predicted that we will soon see an increase in demand for EVs. Ahmed Al-Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the DoE, explained that the new policy provides the regulatory requirements and guiding principles for up-take of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, while considering the benefits to customers, the economy and the environment.

EV charging stations are progressively being installed covering most districts in the country. In addition to electric cars, the UAE is championing the use of electric powered buses in the country. The launch of new fleet of electric buses in Abu Dhabi epitomizes the UAE’s relentless efforts towards sustainability. Furthermore, the UAE Government has emerged as a beacon for change through its ever-ambitious initiative to replace 20% of the total car fleet of its departments with EV vehicles in the near future.

Regardless of the pace of the developments expected, formalizing a clear policy on EV’s is by no means a small feat and shows the clear direction the country is headed into to all potential investors. Such a policy will stimulate investments in EV infrastructure in the country where an integration of efforts, funds, expertise and technologies of both government entities and private sector is delivered.

DoE's policy supports Abu Dhabi's Low Emission Vehicle Strategy aimed at diversifying the sources of energy used in the transition towards electrification. It recognises an ongoing global move towards the use of electric vehicles that are charged from the electric grid, which - as the energy mix evolves - allows for the increased use of clean energy for transportation and a corresponding reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants.

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council approved the Low-Emission Vehicle Strategy in 2016. Formulated by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the strategy aims to support the uptake of low-emission vehicles within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as the world commits to a new energy paradigm.