Introduction to Electric Vehicle Charging
Visiting a public place to fuel your car is a common experience, but when this process takes more than five minutes, it can become inconvenient. Unfortunately, this is often the case with electric vehicles (EVs). In the future, we may see new communities designed to keep all electric vehicle owners occupied while they wait, with more grocery stores near charging stations to allow people to shop while their cars are charging.
Finding a Charger
The first step is to locate a charger. To simplify the lives of electric vehicle owners in the UAE, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced in 2015 that it would install 100 environmentally friendly charging devices. Since then, this number has increased to 325 chargers across Dubai.
If you haven't registered for DEWA's green initiative, charging your electric vehicle will cost you 29 fils per kilowatt. However, if you register, charging will be completely free. You can find all DEWA charging stations by accessing their map here.
Considerations When Charging Your Vehicle
One important factor to consider when wanting to charge your vehicle at public chargers is that if your car's battery is completely drained, it may take up to 10 hours to reach only 80% charge, especially if you have a large battery. DEWA charging stations are equipped with Level 2 chargers, which provide a shorter recharging time.
Types of Charging Devices
DEWA has installed four types of charging devices throughout the UAE:
- Ultra-fast charger (150 kW with Type 2 plug)
- Fast charger (43 kW AC with Type 2 plug)
- DC ChadeMO charger (50 kW with CCS Combo sockets)
- Public charger (2 × 22 kW AC with dual Type 2 plug)
- Wall box (22 kW AC with single Type 2 plug)
Electric Vehicle Registration
Once you register with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DEWA will create an electric vehicle account for you through the DEWA website, their smart app, or via interactive voice response at the DEWA customer service center, issuing a card that can be recharged by the customer.
AI Assistant
With Amazon Alexa now available in most cars, DEWA has become the first government entity to add its virtual assistant, named Rammas, to Alexa. Rammas will be your AI assistant, allowing you to ask questions about consumption details, bill balance, and general inquiries related to DEWA charging stations.
Additionally, there is exciting news regarding charging stations in the UAE: in 2022, the fastest charging point currently on the market—Terra 360—will be available for public use. Things are looking promising for electric vehicle buyers in the UAE.
Home Charging
If public chargers are not convenient for you and you would like to install a charger at home, be sure to read our guide on how to charge your vehicle at home.
