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UAE targets 50% electric vehicles on roads by 2050
A new network of electric vehicle charging stations will also be introduced across the country.
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Fossil fuel-free transportation plays a vital role in the UAE’s carbon-neutral ambitions. To bolster the growing electric vehicle sector, the UAE plans to have electric vehicles account for 50% of all vehicles on its roads by 2050.
The UAE Cabinet recently approved the National Electric Vehicles Policy, unveiled by Suhail Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. As part of this policy, the UAE aims to achieve 50% electric vehicles on its roads by 2050. Additionally, there are plans to introduce a comprehensive network of electric vehicle charging stations nationwide.
Al Mazrouei elaborated on how the national policy would support the expanding electric vehicle industry while aligning with the UAE’s objective of reducing energy consumption by 40%.
The policy outlines its primary objective of reducing carbon emissions by 10 million tons by 2050. It serves as a regulatory framework, guiding efforts to standardize the infrastructure of electric vehicle charging stations and promote seamless collaboration among various stakeholders.
Al Mazrouei emphasized that the policy includes implementing incentives for the electric vehicle market and the establishment of technical and legislative frameworks to facilitate the recycling of electric vehicle batteries.
The policy, developed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, is a direct outcome of the Global EV Market Transformational Project.
In a recent announcement, Dubai revealed its intention to significantly expand its network of public charging stations for electric vehicles by 170% by 2025. This initiative is a part of Dubai’s broader commitment to promoting green mobility. Within less than three years, the number of charging stations in the emirate will increase from 370 to over 1,000 stations.
The Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index 2022 identifies the UAE as an emerging electric vehicle market, credited to the efforts made by the government in promoting infrastructure for EV adoption. According to the data, approximately 30% of UAE residents are willing to purchase an electric vehicle to contribute to the green transition, considering offering better long-term value for money than conventional vehicles. The country’s electric vehicle market is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% between 2022 and 2028.
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority and Road Transport Authority are collaborating on incentives like free parking, toll exemptions, and reduced registration fees to achieve emission-free public transport by 2050.