UAE ramps up EV fast-charging infrastructure

The UAE government has unveiled a new venture to provide fast and accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the country.

UAEV is a joint venture between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE), and the first EV charging network fully owned by the government.

It aims to put 1,000 chargers into service by 2030.

Globally, the transition to EV is gathering pace with electric car sales reaching 10 million units in 2022 - five times higher than sales in 2019.

The latest partnership between MOEI and Etihad WE will ensure the UAE can meet current demand for EV infrastructure and make it easier for UAE residents to go green.

"We hope that this partnership will further accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation and significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector, thereby helping to bring our Net Zero 2050 Strategy within reach," said Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

"Together, MOEI and Etihad WE form a powerful force which can help future-proof the UAE and achieve the twin objectives of economic growth and climate action, which underpin UAEV," added  Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy & Petroleum Affairs at MoEI and Chairman of UAEV.

Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and Board Member of UAEV said: "For our business this is a major milestone. It is part of a deliberate strategy to diversify our operations, using the knowledge and experience acquired from our role as long-standing pioneers in energy sector, to explore new products, services, projects, and investments which will benefit our customers and ensure the UAE capitalises on emerging opportunities."

As the largest employer in the Northern Emirates, with a customer base of over 2 million households, Etihad WE acknowledge that UAE consumers are increasingly aware of the impact the decisions they make have on the environment.

The Ministry of Energy & Infrastructure and Etihad WE are expected to release further information about UAEV’s plans by the end of 2024.

Here is an overview of UAEV, outlining the key developments it will introduce to shape the future of mobility.#EtihadWE#MeetUAEV pic.twitter.com/FncR2aFQCV

— uaev (@UAEV_official) May 20, 2024