UAE And Etihad WE Partner To Roll Out Nationwide EV Charging Network

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) have announced a new joint venture, UAEV, aimed at enhancing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the UAE. This initiative marks the first government-owned EV charging network in the country.

Globally, the shift to electric vehicles is accelerating. In 2022, electric car sales reached 10 million units, a significant increase from 2019's figures. The partnership between MoEI and Etihad WE aims to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure in the UAE, facilitating a smoother transition for residents to adopt greener transportation options.

Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. "UAEV embodies the power of partnership between government and industry, aiming to provide vital electric vehicle infrastructure to boost adoption of EVs, energise communities, and unleash the economic potential of the UAE," he said.

Al Mazrouei also expressed hopes that this partnership would accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation and significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

Sharif Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI and Chairman of UAEV, noted a rise in EV adoption in 2023. He emphasised that expanding EV infrastructure ensures the country can support current EV owners and attract new users.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The deployment of EV infrastructure presents significant economic opportunities, including job creation. The envisioned EV infrastructure will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and Board Member of UAEV, described this initiative as a major milestone for their business.

Al Ali stated, "This is part of a deliberate strategy to diversify our operations. Using our experience in the energy sector, we aim to explore new products, services, projects, and investments that will benefit our customers and ensure the UAE capitalises on emerging opportunities."

Modernising Transport Networks

UAEV’s charging infrastructure is expected to modernise the UAE’s transport network, create new jobs, and empower customers to make more sustainable choices. As the largest employer in the Northern Emirates with over 2 million households as customers, Etihad WE recognises the increasing environmental awareness among UAE consumers.

Al Ali concluded by noting that their role as a forward-thinking utilities business is to anticipate customer needs and provide them with technology, products, tools, and infrastructure that support sustainable choices.

The MoEI and Etihad WE plan to unveil further information about UAEV’s initiatives by the end of 2024.

With inputs from WAM