The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) have unveiled a pioneering joint venture, UAEV, to provide and promote fast and accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the UAE.
Launched during the Electric Vehicles Innovation Summit (EVIS) taking place in Abu Dhabi from May 20-22, UAEV is the first electric vehicle charging network fully owned by the government. The initiative is on route to establishing 100 fast-charging stations across the UAE by the end of 2024, with a target of 1,000 such stations by 2030, announced officials at the launch event.
Globally, the transition to electric vehicles is gathering pace: electric car sales reached 10 million units in 2022 – five times higher than sales in 2019. The new partnership between MOEI and Etihad WE will ensure that the UAE can meet current demand for EV infrastructure and make it easier for UAE residents to go green, the audience heard at the launch ceremony on the side lines of the event.
Vast potential for EV infrastructure
MOEI and Etihad WE believe that the potential for more robust infrastructure for electric vehicles is vast and transformative, and recognise that it has far-reaching implications for transportation, energy and the environment, experts from the bodies said at the launch ceremony.
According to Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, UAEV embodies “the power of partnership between government and industry”, and aims to “provide vital electric vehicle infrastructure to boost adoption of such vehicles, energise communities and unleash the economic potential of the UAE”.
Al Mazrouei added: “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.”
Present at the launch ceremony were Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI and Chairman of UAEV; Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and Board Member of UAEV; and Badr Mohammad Rabia AlAwadhi, Head of Sustainability, EtihadWE.
Al Olama said: “In 2023, we saw a rise in electric vehicle adoption in the UAE. By expanding our infrastructure, we ensure the country is equipped to support those who have already purchased an electric vehicle and make the prospect of switching to electric vehicles attractive.
“The UAEV partnership, between government and business, is rooted in the recognition of complementary strengths and the pursuit of common goals. 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.”
Charging infrastructure essential to EV adoption
Charging infrastructure is essential to electric vehicle adoption. UAEV is contributing to the advancement of the nation’s electric mobility journey and responding to consumer demand. It is also consistent with the vision of the UAE leadership and their understanding that sustainability and growth can and should go hand in hand, Al Olama added.
The deployment of charging infrastructure presents significant economic opportunities, including job creation. Similarly, the kind of electric vehicle infrastructure envisaged by the joint venture will play an important role in supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Al Ali added: “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.
“UAEV charging infrastructure will contribute to the modernisation of the UAE’s transport network, and help energise communities by creating new jobs, and empower our customers to make more sustainable choices.
“The step-change among our customers is positive and pronounced, and our role as a forward-thinking utilities business, has to be to anticipate their needs and arm them with the technology, products, tools, and infrastructure which supports and empowers them.”