Electric Vehicle Charging in the UAE: What You Need to Know
Charging Your Electric Car: Public Stations and Everyday Convenience
While stopping at a petrol station is a routine task for most drivers, the experience can be quite different for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Unlike traditional refueling, charging an electric car often takes more than five minutes, which can be inconvenient. In the future, we may see new communities designed to keep EV owners engaged as they wait, and more supermarkets located near charging stations, allowing people to shop while their vehicles charge.
Finding a Charging Station in the UAE
The first step for EV owners is always finding a charger. To make life easier, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) initiated its Green Charger program in 2015, starting with 100 eco-friendly charging stations. This network has since expanded to 325 chargers across Dubai. If you have not registered for DEWA’s Green Charger initiative, charging your electric vehicle will cost you 29 fils per kilowatt-hour. However, registered users can enjoy completely free charging. You can view all DEWA charging station locations by opening their official interactive map of DEWA EV charging stations.
Understanding Charging Times and Charger Types
One important thing to keep in mind when using public chargers: if your battery runs completely flat, it may take up to 10 hours to reach just 80% charge, especially if your EV has a large battery. Fortunately, DEWA stations are equipped with Level 2 chargers, which offer shorter recharging times. DEWA has installed four main types of chargers throughout the UAE:
- Ultra-Fast Charger: 150 kW with Type 2 plug.
- Fast Charger: 43 kW AC with Type 2 plug, 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
After registering your electric vehicle with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), DEWA will create an account for your EV. You can register through the DEWA website, mobile app, or their interactive voice response system at the customer service center. Once registered, you will receive a DEWA charging card that can be recharged for use at public charging stations.
Smart Solutions: Amazon Alexa and AI Assistance
With Amazon Alexa now available in most cars, DEWA has become the first government entity to launch a virtual assistant, “Rammas,” on Alexa. Rammas serves as your AI-powered helpdesk, ready to answer questions about consumption details, bill balances, and general inquiries regarding DEWA charging stations.
There’s more good news for EV owners: in 2022, the fastest public charging station currently available in the market—the Terra 360—will become accessible to the public in the UAE. The future is looking bright for electric car buyers in the Emirates.
Considering Home Charging?
If public charging stations do not meet your needs and you’re interested in installing a charger at home, be sure to read our comprehensive guide on charging your electric car at home.
