Charging Your Electric Car in the UAE: What You Need to Know
Public Charging: The New Normal for Electric Vehicle Owners
Visiting a public location to refuel your car is something most drivers are used to. However, when charging takes more than five minutes, as is often the case with electric vehicles, it can become inconvenient. This is a common reality for EV owners. In the future, we may see new communities designed to keep EV owners entertained while they wait, or more grocery stores near charging stations, allowing people to shop while their cars charge.
Finding an EV Charger in the UAE
The first step for any electric vehicle owner is locating a charger. To make life easier for EV owners in the UAE, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced in 2015 the installation of 100 environmentally friendly charging devices. Since then, the number has grown to 325 chargers across Dubai.
If you have not registered for DEWA’s Green Charger Initiative, charging your electric car will cost 29 fils per kilowatt-hour. However, registration grants you free charging. You can find all DEWA charging station locations by opening their map through this link to DEWA’s EV Green Charger Stations.
Charging Times and Types of Chargers
One important consideration when using public chargers is the time required for a full charge. If your battery is completely depleted, it may take up to 10 hours to reach 80% charge—especially for vehicles with larger batteries. Fortunately, DEWA stations offer Level 2 chargers that significantly reduce recharge time.
DEWA has installed four different types of charging devices across the UAE:
- Ultra-Fast Charger: 150 kW with Type 2 socket
- Fast Charger: 43 kW AC with Type 2 socket, 50 kW DC ChadeMO, and CCS Combo sockets
- Public Charger: 2 × 22 kW AC with dual Type 2 sockets
- Wall Box: 22 kW AC with a single Type 2 socket
Registering Your Electric Vehicle with DEWA and RTA
After registering your vehicle with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DEWA will create an EV account for you through their website, mobile app, or interactive voice response at their customer service center. You will receive a card that can be recharged and used at charging stations.
Smart Charging and the Role of Artificial Intelligence
With Amazon Alexa available in most cars today, DEWA has become the first government entity to add its virtual assistant, Rammas, to Alexa. Rammas serves as your AI assistant, answering questions about consumption details, bill balances, and general inquiries related to DEWA charging stations.
There is more good news for EV owners in the UAE: In 2022, the fastest charging point currently available on the market—Terra 360—will become accessible to the public. The future looks promising for electric vehicle buyers in the UAE.
Home Charging Solutions
If public charging stations are not convenient for you and you wish to install a charger at home, make sure to read our guide on charging your electric vehicle at home.
