We all know how electric vehicles (EVs) are taking hold of the automotive landscape that was once ruled by vehicles with internal combustion engines. Even in the regions of the world that have been predominantly ruled by petrol or diesel-powered automobiles, EVs are slowly but surely taking over. In a place like the UAE, which romanticized the idea of owning one’s own car since the 1980s, the notion of switching to a vehicle powered by an alternate fuel, or quite simply making the move to an EV is far too real to ignore.
However, whilst it might be brilliant or even prudent for many to make that switch, the infrastructure has to match the demand. In the case of electric vehicles, one of the most important factors for prospective buyers (and even a point of concern) is the availability of a robust and reliable charging network. Since EVs quite literally depend on electricity for their operation, the lack of enough charging stations can be a huge deciding factor behind the ownership of an EV.
Working on this is the United Arab Emirates’ Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) who, along with Audi Middle East and Siemens, have entered into an agreement of cooperation. According to this new venture, the parties involved will assist each other in boosting EV charging networks on federal roads all across the UAE. Such joint ventures are definitely a welcome treat as more and more people opt for electric vehicles in this bustling and prosperous region.
One of those who spoke about the whole deal was Carsten Bender, Managing Director of Audi Middle East, who stated, “Audi Middle East is delighted to begin this partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Siemens, which further underlines our commitment to electrification in the UAE as we continue to redefine the mobility of the future. To not only be aligned with the UAE’s ‘Net Zero 2050’ initiative, but now be an active participant in it, is an honor and a privilege we are very proud of.”
Also chiming in on the cooperation was Helmut von Struve, Chief Executive Officer of Siemens in the Middle East. He said, “We look forward to working with the Ministry and Audi on this important project that demonstrates our commitment to supporting sustainability programmes in the United Arab Emirates. Siemens is proud to be a part of the country’s embrace of an electrical mobility ecosystem, and to contribute to the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative."
Just recently, the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure committed to installing 10 units of the Siemens Sicharge D 160 kW ultra-fast chargers. These rapid charging points will be placed along the highways in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Moreover, because these charging stations will all be connected to a state-of-the-art cloud service, each unit can be monitored and controlled by operators in real-time remotely.
In the past couple of years, Audi has gone on to become the largest manufacturer of electric vehicles among its fellow German marques. While the e-tron GT became the launch pad for Audi’s electric vision of the future, it is only just the beginning for the premium auto major. By 2026, Audi will see the launch of 20 all-electric models, comfortably covering various segments and price points. There’s no doubt that the brand has committed itself into becoming a torchbearer for sustainable premium mobility in the future, not just in the Middle East but all over the globe.
