UAEV, a joint venture between the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE), aims to play a transformational role in UAE residents adopting electric vehicles (EVs) by providing a fast and expansive charging infrastructure across the nation.
It will be the first EV charging network fully owned by the government.
Exact details on the number of charging stations and their locations are yet to be revealed and the MoEI and Etihad WE will unveil further information about UAEV’s plans by the end of 2024.
Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “UAEV embodies the power of partnership between government and industry, and aims to provide vital electric vehicle infrastructure to boost adoption of EVs, energise communities, and unleash the economic potential of the UAE.
“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.”
UAEV will ensure the UAE can meet current demand for EV infrastructure. Globally, electric car sales reached 10 million units in 2022 – five times higher than in 2019.
Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI, has been named Chairman of UAEV.
Al Olama said: “In 2023, we saw a rise in EV adoption in the UAE. By expanding our EV infrastructure, we ensure the country is equipped to support those who have already purchased an EV and make the prospect of switching to EV attractive.
“Together, MoEI and Etihad WE form a powerful force that can help future-proof the UAE and achieve the twin objectives of economic growth and climate action, which underpin UAEV.”
The UAEV is also a perfect platform for Etihad WE, the largest employer in the Northern Emirates and a company with a customer base of over 2 million households, to use its core competency and enhance its product offering.
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and Board Member of UAEV, explained: “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 the energy sector, to explore new products, services, projects, and investments which will benefit our customers.
“UAEV charging infrastructure will contribute to the modernisation of the UAE’s transport network, help energise communities by creating new jobs, and empower our customers to make more sustainable choices.”
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