Dubai: Mamdouh Sawan
In light of the mounting environmental pollution and the trend towards alternative energy, governments and car manufacturers and development companies have sought to find a safe alternative to cars with their well-known model, which operate with internal combustion engines and depend on petroleum derivatives, to hybrid cars that consume less fuel, while the infrastructure network in the UAE supports the automotive sector. Electricity, which is growing remarkably in the number of charging stations for electric cars and their distribution. Here are several frequently asked questions and information related to electric car charging stations in the UAE:
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost of charging an electric vehicle depends on the electrical energy required to charge the vehicle’s battery, which in turn depends on the battery’s capacity and the driver’s use of it. The cost of charging cars at public charging stations is 29 fils per kilowatt-hour.
How can I charge my car at home?
Electric car chargers can be installed in homes following the property’s electricity meter, and the electricity used in the charging process is added to the home electricity bill, at the same price as the electric tariff for residential consumption.
How do I register my car charge card?
Visit any of the Authority’s customer service centers to register your vehicle and obtain a charge card. To view the working hours and locations of the customer service centers.
How will I pay the bill for using charging stations?
Customers who wish to use electric charging stations must register with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority to obtain a charging card. This card is linked to the customer’s account, and the amounts due are added to the bill on a monthly basis.
What happens if the battery runs out before reaching the station?
Just as with a normal car, the driver must always ensure that his car battery is charged enough to complete the journey. Electric cars provide information to the driver regarding the average distance they can travel before they run out of charge.
What is the average distance traveled by the car?
The average distance an electric car can cover depends on the battery capacity and the type of car, but in general, an electric car can cover a distance of 120 to 400 km.
Do electric charging stations operate around the clock?
Electric charging stations located within the Authority’s centers will be available during official working hours. As for car charging points located within petrol stations and public places, they will be available around the clock.
Can anyone use car charging stations?
Charging stations will be open to all holders of the green charger card, which can be obtained by registering with the authority and opening a special account to use the electric charging stations.
How do I know that my car is fully charged?
Check the data display panel on the charging station or the data display panel for the electric vehicle, both of which will indicate that the electric vehicle has finished charging.
Can I charge the battery even if the power is not out?
Yes, you can. The battery system in the electric car regulates the process of supplying the battery with energy to ensure the long life of the battery. Here, we review the most important charging sites for electric cars:
Abu Dhabi
Charging sites for electric cars in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah are very densely distributed, as Abu Dhabi hosts more than 30 charging stations, most notably: Khor Al Maqtaa, Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, Capital Mall, Mussafah, Deerfields Mall, Al Bahia and Dusit Thani Hotel, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street and Etihad Towers West Corniche Street, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Jumeirah Hotel, Etihad Towers and Jumeirah Resort, Saadiyat Island and Al Kasir, Marina Mall and Marriott Al Forsan Hotel, 12th Street and Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara, Qasr Al Sarab Street and Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi, Yas Island and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Al Maqtaa and Rosewood Hotel, Al Maryah Island, Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island, St. Regis Resort, Saadiyat Island, Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Sas Al Nakhl, Warner Bros. World, Yas Island, Yas Marina Circuit and others.
Dubai
As for the Emirate of Dubai, it hosts more than 25 stations, most notably the main building of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority – Customer Happiness Center, Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Complex, Customer Happiness Center – Sustainable Building, Customer Happiness Center – Al Hudaiba, Warsan Central Stores, Jebel Ali Power Station, Al Ruwaya Workshop and Al Qusais Control Center Dubai Electricity and Water Authority – Al Warqa’a Office and Customer Happiness Center – Nahar Tower, Al Lisaili Park, Latifa Hospital – Al Jalila Children’s Specialist Center, Dubai Hospital, Zabeel Health Center and Global Village.
Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah has more than 10 stations in Sharjah, most notably Sahara Center, Al Nahda Street, Sheraton Resort and Spa, Al Muntazah Street, Al Bait Hotel, Al Mareijah, American University, University City, Al Qasba and Sharjah Expo.
Example
To give an example of the actual distance of a Tesla when driving “economy”, it may travel a distance of 500 km on a single charge.