The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) have unveiled UAEV, a joint venture (JV) focused on enhancing fast and accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the UAE. It is the first EV charging network fully owned by the government.
Further information about UAEV’s plans is set to be unveiled by the end of 2024.
H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said that the UAEV “embodies the power” of partnership between government and industry and aims to provide vital electric vehicle infrastructure to boost the adoption of EVs, “energise” communities and unleash the economic potential of the UAE.
H.E. Al Mazrouei added: “We hope that this partnership will further accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation and significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector, thereby helping to bring our Net Zero 2050 Strategy within reach.”
H.E. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI and Chairman of UAEV, commented: “In 2023, we saw a rise in EV adoption in the UAE. By expanding our EV infrastructure, we ensure the country is equipped to support those who have already purchased an EV and make the prospect of switching to EV attractive.”
According to the two parties, the deployment of EV infrastructure presents “significant economic opportunities,” including job creation, with the kind of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure envisaged by UAEV also set to play an “important role” in supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and Board Member of UAEV, said: “For our business this is a major milestone. It is part of a deliberate strategy to diversify our operations, using the knowledge and experience acquired from our role as long-standing pioneers in energy sector, to explore new products, services, projects, and investments which will benefit our customers and ensure the UAE capitalises on emerging opportunities.”
Al Ali noted that UAEV charging infrastructure will contribute to the modernisation of the UAE’s transport network, create new jobs, and “empower” customers to make more sustainable choices: “The step-change among our customers is positive and pronounced, and our role as a forward-thinking utilities business, has to be to anticipate their needs and arm them with the technology, products, tools, and infrastructure which supports and empowers them.”