Dubai: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) is making progress in pushing its plans to complete 100 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of this year.
In a bid to boost the use of energy resources and reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint, Dewa announced that it is working on completing the infrastructure to build a further 84 stations by the end of this year.
Dewa has already completed its first phase and built 16 green charging stations for public use.
The new charging stations will be of three types that are compatible with the latest international technologies used in electric vehicles and will be launched on main highways, government buildings, malls, airports, parks, and hotspots like Jumeirah Beach Residences, and major developments, among others. Those charging stations exposed to the sun will be solar-powered for a carbon-neutral option, meaning no greenhouse gases will be emitted into the atmosphere.
The Green Charger initiative is said to contribute to introducing electric vehicles in Dubai and making them a choice among residents, while also supporting the long-term Green Economy for Sustainable Development and Smart City initiatives.
“Our objective in the transition to become the smartest city in the world is to achieve the happiness of society and provide instant and seamless smart services any time, anywhere. Dubai has all the elements to reach top positions globally and has become a leading global hub for sustainability, competitiveness, and green economy,” said Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dewa.
Twelve stations have been installed at Dewa’s centres, which can charge 24 vehicles simultaneously. Each station can accommodate two vehicles at a time. These stations are at Dewa’s head office, the Sustainable Building, Al Wasl, Al Hudaiba, Burj Nahar, Umm Ramool, and Jebel Ali and are ready to use.
Another station has been installed in Dubai Silicon Oasis and one more will be installed later.
Hybrid or electric cars are relatively more expensive by a few thousands dollars, depending on the make, compared to conventional cars. But proponents say motorists may consider the fuel efficiency of hybrid and electric cars and low to zero emissions.
The rate per kilowatt hour (kW/h) for charging an electric vehicle in public charging points is 29 fils per kW/h. If the vehicle is charged at home, the standard residential electricity rate will be applied. Dewa has registered the first individual user for the green charging stations.
The Green Charger initiative is also part of the three-pronged approach that Dewa is implementing to turn Dubai into a smart city, which includes connecting solar energy to houses and buildings, and smart applications through smart meters and grids.
