United Arab Emirates Electric Vehicle Market
The Electric Vehicle (EV) market in the UAE is still at its early stages, but it is rapidly growing. The UAE government has shown a strong commitment to promoting the use of electric vehicles as part of its efforts to reach zero carbon emissions by 2050. Demand for EVs in the UAE market has witnessed a steady rise over the past years and is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% between 2022 and 2028 according to the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index published in 2022 by the international consultancy firm Arthur D. Little.
According to the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA), the number of EVs in Dubai is estimated to be approximately 7,331 in 2023 and is expected to reach 12,852 by 2025. This supports Dubai’s Green Mobility Strategy 2030, mandating 30% of public sector vehicles and 10% of all vehicle sales to be electric and hybrid by 2030.
Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) successfully converted 50% of the Dubai taxi fleet into hybrid vehicles. It intends to convert the entire taxi fleet to hybrid and electric vehicles by 2027. RTA aims at converting 25% of total trips in Dubai into self-driving transport trips across different modes of public transport by 2030. It has plans to introduce 4,000 autonomous electric vehicles for taxi services by 2030. RTA is also looking to introduce fully electric buses. In 2019, RTA launched a trial run of two electric buses.
Abu Dhabi is another Emirate leading the UAE’s green mobility agenda. It has 2,441 EVs, 4,138 hybrid vehicles and 9,412 CNG and natural gas vehicles. Abu Dhabi is also exploring hydrogen fuel technology as part of a wider investigation into sustainable mobility.
In terms of charging infrastructure, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is leading an ambitious plan to develop a national ultra-fast EV charging corridor. Abu Dhabi has about 250 charging stations. E2GO, a joint venture between ADNOC Distribution, the UAE’s largest petrol station operator, and Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), one of the largest integrated utility companies in the MENA region, has an ambitious plan to install over 70,000 charging points throughout the UAE by 2030.
Since the launch of the EV Green Charger Initiative in Dubai, DEWA has announced a target of having more than 1,000 public charging stations across Dubai by 2025. By the end of 2022, the number of Green Charging Stations reached 350 with more than 620 charging points across Dubai. DEWA has installed two ultrafast EV Green Chargers with a capacity of 150 kilowatts (direct current), located at Expo 2020 Dubai and DEWA headquarters. Dubai has introduced its Green Building Regulations and Specifications for new buildings which specifies that 5% of parking spaces should be dedicated to green or low emission vehicles.
DEWA has launched the Dubai EV Community Hub website, an initiative that aims to increase EV adoption by centralizing information regarding the latest developments in the electric vehicle landscape of Dubai. The website provides information regarding the latest government strategies, targets, incentives, regulations, and EV adoption data for Dubai. It also provides information regarding the latest models of electric vehicles available in the UAE, charging standards, installations and locations, as well as available insurance plans, green auto loans for purchasing EVs, battery care tips, EV charging etiquette, news, and events.
The UAE is well positioned to become a leader in sustainable mobility in the region and offers significant export opportunities for U.S. businesses in Battery Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle, Autonomous Vehicles, Battery Technologies, Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, Hydrogen Fueling Stations, Smart Charging Systems and Intelligent Safety Technologies.
Sustainable Mobility Exhibitions & Conferences:
Global EV Show
September 21-22, 2023
Dubai World Congress - For Self-Driving Transport
September 26-27, 2023
Intermobility Expo 2023
November 21-23, 2023
Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit
May 2024
For more information, please contact Office.Dubai@trade.gov.