All About Electric Cars in the UAE

The electric vehicle first came around in…2010? 2000? 1990? Not even close. The first EV is believed to have been developed in 1837 in Scotland by inventor Robert Anderson. The idea to run our vehicles on electricity has lurked around for ages. Many similarly mistake the ‘electric car’ to be a recent phenomenon too. To much surprise, the battery-powered vehicles date back to the early 19th century, when they were used as local cabs in New York and London. And these worked just fine! It was the burst of oil discoveries and Henry Ford’s mass production of gasoline-powered cars that led to the fading out of electric cars in the UAE. The idea, however, started picking up again in the 1970s and 1980s with the rising environmental concerns.

UAE’s push for electric cars is, however, relatively recent and is part of the country’s broader strategy towards sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. In the past many years, EV cars in UAE have witnessed a meteoric rise in a fraction of the time. The range of cars has gone as high as 600 kilometres with speeds topping up to 390 kmph. The fast-paced shift to electric cars by consumers and companies alike, in pursuit of a healthier planet, is only going to rise in the forthcoming years. 

How Do EVs Work?

The primary difference between electric and regular cars is their source of energy. Electric vehicles rely not on combustion, but on electricity to move. Instead of using fuel, they use electricity stored in the batteries. This stored energy powers the electric motor,  which then moves the wheels of the car. Since these cars do not rely on combustion, there is no need for gears, clutches, fuel tanks or exhaust tails. As a result, electric cars offer a quiet, smooth and environmentally responsible driving experience. 

Types of Electric Cars

Electric Cars use differing technologies and charging systems to power the vehicle. Therefore, electric cars in Dubai come in a range of options. Depending upon their charging modes and battery backup, these options offer different degrees of comfort. Here is a detailed overview of the different types of electric cars available in UAE today:

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)

These cars are purely electric. In the sense that they only run on electricity and no other fuel is used to power the car. The car’s batteries are charged by plugging it in at domestic or public charging points. BEVs generally use large batteries, which power the car’s electric motor to get its wheels going. Zero emissions and no tailpipe are some of the many advantages of BEVs. Nissan, Tesla, Chevrolet and Renault are reliable BEV choices to explore in the UAE.

• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

At times, finding charging points for your electric car can be a little hassle. Here enters, Plug-In hybrid electric vehicles. Since these cars are hybrid, they use traditional fuel and electricity to keep the car going. These cars make long-distance travel possible using an electric car. The car kickstarts with its electric backup. Once the batteries run out of charge, the petrol/diesel engine kicks in to ensure uninterrupted travel. These cars come with a charging port as well as a fuel tank. The port can be plugged in for charging, just like regular BEVs. The BMW XM Series, Range Rover PHEC and Toyota RAV 4 are some popular choices. 

• Conventional Hybrids

Like the PHEVs, conventional hybrid EVs in UAE also feature a fuel tank and electric batteries. However, unlike the PHEVs, these cars have smaller batteries which cannot be recharged using plug-in options. Instead, the batteries recharge themselves through the engine and the regenerative braking mechanisms. These are, thus, also called the self-charging hybrids’. Conventional hybrids are known to release much lesser emissions. Toyota Prius and Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid are some popular options. 

• Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

FCEVs are amongst the most environment-friendly electric vehicles. These use fuel cells to generate electricity instead of storing it in a battery. These vehicles are powered by Hydrogen and can be refuelled in a similar amount of time as refuelling a gasoline or diesel vehicle. Using FCEVs ensures a longer driving range as compared to other electric vehicles while ensuring clean and environment-friendly emissions. Toyota Mirai is one of the most popular FCEVs in the UAE today. 

Charging An Electric Car

Charging is a major concern when it comes to switching to electric cars in Dubai. In the past several years, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has established a strong charging infrastructure to support EVs in Dubai. This has allowed EV owners the luxury to choose between charging at their homes or public stations. For home charging, batteries can be plugged into the normal home sockets like any other appliance. Generally, using regular sockets results in slower charging. The additional power consumption gets added to the monthly power bill. Alternatively, people can also use public charging stations installed by DEWA for faster charging speeds. Public charging stations are particularly useful in re-charging the battery mid-journey and ensuring uninterrupted travel.

As far as charging speeds are concerned, electric cars take up to 1.5-8 hours to fully recharge themselves. These speeds depend heavily on the size of the car, the battery and the charger. It’s always helpful to never let your car’s battery run out completely. Ensuring incremental charging and topping the battery up instead of powering it up from zero maintains better battery health. 

• EV Green Charger Initiative 

In 2015, DEWA launched the Green Charger Initiative to promote EV cars in the UAE. Numerous public charging stations for electric car owners have been established under this program. As of today, more than 300 public charging spots are strategically placed across Dubai.  While charging stations provide an ease of recharging, the green cards ensure smoother payments and better management of your EV recharges. For instance, a Supreme Council of Energy 2016 directive had set a target for 10% of all new car purchases in UAE to be hybrid or electric by 2030. Another key move involved offering free charging for electric vehicles registered under the Green Charger Initiative. Although the service ended in 2021, it gave a powerful push to the adoption of electric cars in the UAE.

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:

• 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. 

• 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.

• 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. 

• 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

Just a few years ago, people shied away from EVs, and companies considered it a reductive market. Today, however, electric cars are as much a style statement as it is the people’s go-to traveller. From established car manufacturers to new players, the electric cars market today is filled with a variety of options. Here are some of the popular choices for electric cars in the UAE.

• Tesla

TESLA is an out-and-out EV company that has built its brand, identity and reputation solely around electric cars. Tesla is one of those rare companies that have shattered the hesitation and well, made electric cars look cool. Popular for their performance, range and the trademark ‘Autopilot’ feature, here are some of the popular Tesla electric cars: 

• Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) 

Established in 1916, BMW has gained a reputation for its high-quality and innovative vehicles. The German manufacturer has established a separate ‘i’ sub-brand for its electric vehicles. These vehicles are designed to be dynamic, sustainable and super comfortable. Check out some of the popular BMW electric cars below:

• MG Motors 

Morris Garages (MG) is known for offering feature-rich and stylish electric cars. Their cars masterfully and seamlessly blend premium designs with high-tech at pocket-friendly prices. Here are some of the popular MG electric vehicles:

• Hyundai

The South Korean giant Hyundai also enjoys wide popularity in the UAE. Their cars are known for efficient performance, innovative designs and customer-friendly pricing. Hyundai’s electric cars ensure eco-friendly driving without any compromises on style and practicality. Here are some popular choices:

• Porsche

Porsche is symbolic of prestige, class and speed. Their high-performance cars blend advanced engineering with top-notch luxury. The ‘Taycan’ models are especially popular, blending all things Porsche along with advanced technology and sustainable specifications. Here are some popular models:

• Jaguar 

Jaguar’s ‘PACE’ series offers supremely designed and highly efficient electric cars in Dubai. Their advanced systems ensure seamless connectivity along with the characteristic high performance and comfortable driving experience. Here are the various ‘PACE’ models available in UAE:

• Polestar

Polestar specialises in high-performance fully electric cars. SUVs, sedans and sports cars, Polestar offers electric cars for all styles and seasons. With their cutting-edge technology and sleek Scandinavian design, Polestar captures the imagination of car lovers everywhere. Here are some of its popular models:

• Nissan

NISSAN has carved a unique space in the automotive industry. The company’s reliable, innovative and value for money cars have made it a popular choice. The Japanese car manufacturer has recently taken the electric leap and introduced some very interesting options. Here are their quick details:

• Chevrolet

The American company, dating back to 1911, has been a wide range of cars, from trucks to sedans. To its sprawling line-up of these advanced cars, Chevrolet has recently added the Bolt EV a few years back. The car’s compact size gives it a modern and trendy design, while the long-lasting battery ensures long drives without frequent charging. Here is a quick look at the car’s features:

• Mercedese Benz 

The globally renowned brand is known for its luxurious cars. From SUVs to sedans and compact vehicles to sports cars, Mercedese Benz has it all. The company has responded to an evolving market by introducing a wide models of electric cars. Take a look at some of the top options:

Charging Ahead With EVs

As we conclude this blog, it’s time to emphasise on the niche that electric cars occupy today. An electric car is no longer an eccentric choice, but a smarter way of driving. They convey responsibility and comfort, combining power and aesthetic. Electric cars in UAE are as much a style statement as anything else. With a rapidly developing EV infrastructure, we can be assured of an ‘electrifying’ future for the consumers and the planet alike.

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:  

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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