Electric vehicles to enjoy free charging in Dubai until end of 2021
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the extension of free charging of electric vehicles (which was due to expire at the end of 2019) until 31 December 2021. However, the extension only applies to non-commercial electric vehicles registered for the EV Green Charger Initiative. This incentive applies only to DEWA public charging stations, and does not include home charging stations.
For commercial electric vehicles, such as those belonging or registered to the government, semi-government and private organisations, the tariff of 29 fils per kilowatt hour will apply starting on the 1st of January 2020.
This scheme has been extended in line with the Smart Dubai initiative, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “to make Dubai the happiest and smartest city in the world,” said H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.
“DEWA seeks to increase the number of hybrid and electric vehicles in Dubai, which supports the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 and the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2021 to reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.”H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA
The extension is planned to encourage residents to switch to electric vehicles, in a wider effort by the government to reduce carbon emissions in on-ground transportation, which currently accounts for the second largest greenhouse gas emitter in Dubai.
He added, “The UAE Vision 2021 which aims to achieve a sustainable environment in terms of air quality, conservation of water resources, increased reliance on clean energy, and green development. DEWA also supports the Dubai Plan 2021, to make Dubai a smart, sustainable and innovative city in managing its resources, improving its quality of life, and consolidating its position as a global model for a green economy.
Since the launch of EV Green Charger Initiative in 2015 that allowed free charging for private and commercial EVs, Al Tayer said “there has been a significant increase in the number of electric and hybrid vehicles in Dubai.”
In addition to encouraging EVs over fuel-powered vehicles, the extension also supports the Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy to cut carbon emissions by 16% by 2021.
This news is welcomed by many who own electric vehicles, or those who are planning to buy one. However, for those who have pre-ordered the Tesla Cybertruck — that has been reported to have already garnered 146,000 reservations — might not enjoy the free service unless DEWA plans to extend the scheme further after 2021. This is because the production of Tesla Cybertruck is set to start in 2021, with the trimotor model starting in 2022.
