With the shortage of fuel and the hike in fuel prices, driving electric cars is the newest trend in the series of new trends. Due to the fact that energy transition is a dire need these days, the UAE stands at the forefront of this positive shift. The automobile industry is shifting towards low carbon releasing energy sources. Therefore, in an effort to assist Dubai’s move towards building sustainability, many automobile companies from all over the world are rolling out different models of electric cars in the UAE. Slowly superseding the regular petrol cars that function with an internal combustion engine, these energy-efficient vehicles are now all the rage throughout the country.
If you want to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, you will get to learn about the benefits of electric vehicles and the companies that offer them in the UAE in this write-up.
Benefits of Electric Cars in the UAE
There are several advantages to shifting to an electric car from a conventional petrol-powered vehicle. Some of the most eminent advantages of electric cars are listed below:
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Low operating costs
The maintenance of electric cars costs less than diesel and petrol cars. When compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts. For this reason, electric cars require less maintenance and do not come with budget burning functionalities such as exhaust pipes, radiators, starter motors, fuel injection machinery, and so forth.
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Environment-friendly
One of the major reasons why electric cars are preferred is their capability to reduce carbon emissions. With their zero exhaust emissions, electric vehicles are important for reducing air pollution and a very feasible alternative to the conventional fuel-based cars that are responsible for a lot of carbon emissions.
EVs are prioritized not only for environmental reasons but also for their ability to convert 95% of electric power into motion, whereas fuel-based engines are only 30% efficient, with 70% of energy wasted in the environment as heat and noise.
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Low operating costs
EVs are usually cheaper to run when compared to fuel-based conventional cars. The power needed to charge the electric car is one-third of the amount of fuel needed for the same car for a run of 1 km.
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Better for health
The gas emission functionality of EVs ensures that you are surrounded by pure air and breathe it in. EVs eliminate airborne pollutants and help improve your health conditions. Also, EVs are quieter than fuel-based cars and create less noise pollution than conventional motor vehicles.
Popular Electric Cars in the UAE
Until the past decade, not many automobile companies were manufacturing electric vehicles. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. As the environmental situation worsens with each passing year, an increasing number of automobile manufacturers are investing in environment-friendly and fuel-efficient electric models. Some of the leading automobile brands that are offering different models of electric cars in Dubai and the rest of the UAE are as follows:
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Tesla
Renowned globally for its EV cars and clean energy sources, Tesla is among some leading companies that have released eco-friendly electric cars in the UAE. A trailblazer in the automobile revolution, Tesla has a great inventory of electric cars that offer zero emissions and completely work with power batteries.
At present, Tesla has released four electric cars in the UAE, namely, the Model X, Model 3, Model S, and Model Y. The newest model, which was released in 2022, is the Model Y, which is a mid-size cargo space SUV with 68 cu ft volume. This latest model provides a single run of about 326 miles without a recharge in the middle. The estimated price of the Model Y in the UAE starts at AED 180k. The Tesla showrooms in the UAE are located in different places, including the Dubai Mall in Dubai and the Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.
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Chevrolet
Chevrolet is a world-renowned automobile company owned by an American manufacturer, General Motors. Chevrolet launched a five-door electric car back in 2017 that became the first EV car to provide a run of about 520 km on a single charge.
The price of the Bolt EV Chevrolet in the UAE starts at about AED 168,500. Chevrolet has multiple showrooms in the UAE that are located at 128-563 Al Khabaisi and Al Ittihad Road in Dubai.
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Renault
Founded in 1899, Renault is a French automobile brand known for its vans, aircraft, and cars. With the release of the eco-friendly ZOE series, Renault has stepped into the UAE automobile market. With its space-efficient design, Renault has introduced a modern-looking small electric car in 2020.
ZOE provides two models of electric cars in the UAE, i.e.Life and Intens. While the Life has daytime running lights and Isofix child attachment capability, the Intens has a hands-free telephone function as well as a hands-free smart card.
The price of the Renault ZOE Life in the UAE starts from AED 137k and you can find out the price of the Intens by visiting the Renault showroom. There are multiple showrooms for Renault in the UAE, many of which are located near Tasjeel Auto Village in Sharjah and Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
It’s Your Turn
Dubai is known for initiating and adapting to all the positive changes and setting the trend for the whole world. Electric cars in the UAE are amongst those changes which, while serving the environment and human health, function under low maintenance. From Tesla and Renault to Chevrolet and several other automobile companies, they are now ensuring the affordability of electric cars in Dubai and the rest of the UAE. Most people are accommodating this practical approach and now it’s your turn to do so. However, one small piece of advice that you need to bear in mind is that always make sure to look out for the model, features, and price that best serve your convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the UAE have electric cars?
Yes, the UAE has electric cars available for potential buyers, including different models of Tesla and Hyundai.
How many electric cars does the UAE have?
As per the first quarter of the year 2021, the total number of electric cars has reached 2473 In United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Is electric car charging free in the UAE?
Although the cost of charging the electric cars in Dubai depends on their model, their make, how you drive, and their battery capacity, usually, if you charge the car at a public station for your private use, it will cost around 29 Fits per KW. However, public station charging is free in the UAE if you sign up for the EV Green Charger initiative.
Is Tesla available in the UAE?
Tesla is among the well-known electric car brands in the UAE. At present, Tesla is selling 3 different models across all the territories, including Sharjah, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Ras AL Khaimah, and, of course, Dubai. Tesla has its showroom in Dubai along with a service centre that spreads around 17,000 sq ft and features different electric car models.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car in the UAE?
For a full charge of your electric car at home, you would approximately have to pay about AED 23 in the UAE.
Are electric cars worth it in the UAE?
Initially, the prices of electric cars were higher as compared to non-electric cars, but the new models of electric cars in the UAE have come up with competitive prices. The higher price of electric cars is because of the cost of their batteries, but you can save a lot more on fuel, which makes it a worthwhile investment in the long run.