Experiencing the Global EVRT in the UAE
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Electric Vehicle Road Trip: Global EVRT Across UAE and Oman
Overview of the Electric Vehicle Road Trip
Between the 18th and 26th of January, electric cars were driven for more than 2,000 kilometers across the UAE and Oman. Private participants from the region came together to experience an uncommon but electrifying road trip that covered the cities of Abu Dhabi, Sohar, Muscat, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Dubai. Apart from the experience (which was evident from their excited faces), the purpose of the EVRT was to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and establish charging stations throughout the country.
Participants and Electric Vehicle Fleet
The fleet primarily consisted of Chevrolet Bolts and Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles. However, we had the opportunity to join with a different electric car currently available in the UAE. You can now invest AED 136,000 at Arabian Automobiles Company Renault and drive out a Renault Zoe 40 (the "40" indicates the kWh of its battery, similar to how a larger petrol tank provides a longer range).
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Understanding the Global EVRT Initiative
You might be wondering what the Global EVRT is all about. In brief, led by Ben Pullen (co-founder), their mission is to accelerate electrification in the automotive market. At YallaMotor, we are fully committed to promoting electrification and increasing awareness among governments, OEMs, distributors, drivers, passengers, sellers, buyers, petrolheads, and electro-heads.
Challenges and Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Although electric cars have been a topic of discussion for the last 14 months, it is important to recognize that our current infrastructure is not sufficient. Many potential buyers are unaware of the numerous benefits that EVs offer.
- Eco-friendly: EVs do not pollute or contaminate the air like standard combustion engine vehicles.
- Battery Warranty: EV batteries typically come with no less than 8 years warranty.
- Fuel Savings: Electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol, and in Dubai, charging EVs will be free for at least another year.
- Maintenance Savings: EVs require less periodic maintenance compared to traditional cars.
As mentioned earlier, AAC Renault lent us a Renault Zoe 40 kWh to participate in this wonderful road trip. We left Dubai fully charged with a potential range of approximately 280 kilometers (Google Maps informed us our destination was 187 km away), and by the time we reached Fujairah, the car still had an impressive 70 kilometers of range remaining. We charged the Zoe at one of the new charging stations opened during the EVRT while driving it like a regular car at speeds of 110 – 130 km/h on the highway. After two and a half hours, the Zoe was ready to return home to Dubai.
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Test Drive the Renault Zoe 40
The Zoe 40 is currently the most affordable electric car available for purchase. I encourage you to test drive it to experience the unique driving dynamics of electric vehicles. However, it is essential to spend more time with the car to get comfortable with its features and handling.
Shift Car Leasing, part of Arabian Automobiles, is the only company that allows you to rent the Zoe for a couple of days before making a purchase decision. Treat yourself to a weekend rental, take your family or partner for a scenic drive to Fujairah, and share your experience with us.
7 Steps for New Electric Car Buyers
If you are considering buying an electric car, I recommend following these 7 steps for newbies to make an informed decision.
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