UAE automotive dealership Al Tayer Motors has signed an exclusive agreement with EV manufacturer VinFast Auto for the distribution of VinFast vehicles in the country.
This agreement will see Al Tayer Motors establish a network of facilities for the brand across the country, with the inaugural facility planned to open in 2024.
It will initially retail four VinFast e-SUV models, VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9, with more to follow.
Ta Xuan Hien, Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Middle East, said: “The agreement with Al Tayer Motors is an important milestone in VinFast’s global market expansion strategy. We believe this reputable and experienced partner will help VinFast bring the highest quality products and services to customers in the UAE.
“VinFast is committed to providing customers with smart and environmentally friendly EV mobility options, while contributing to the country’s sustainable development goals.”
In addition to key markets such as the United States, Canada, and Europe, VinFast is also actively expanding into neighbouring countries in Asia, such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, the Middle East, and Africa, it was shared.
Ashok Khanna, Chief Executive Officer of Al Tayer Motors, said: “We are excited to launch VinFast in the UAE – a very vibrant international hub. We believe the partnership between Al Tayer Motors and VinFast will offer the ultimate EV experience to UAE customers while amplifying the brand globally. With our extensive expertise, dedicated teams, and customer-centric approach, we make car ownership easier than ever and set best practices on a local and global level.”
Under the UAE’s National Electric Vehicles Policy, the country aims to have EVs account for 50 per cent of all vehicles on the roads by 2050. According to the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index 2023, it currently ranks seventh globally.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Parkin, the largest supplier of paid public parking facilities in Dubai, to expand EV Green Charger stations in several key locations managed by Parkin.
DEWA shared that through the EV Green Charger initiative, from 2015 until the end of March 2024, it provided approximately 26,000 MWh of electricity for charging EVs in Dubai, which powered a cumulative electric vehicle distance of approximately 130 million kilometres.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that DEWA’s EV Green Charger initiative “actively supports” the National Electric Vehicles Policy and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030.
“This is achieved by encouraging the use of electric vehicles and reducing the transport sector’s carbon emissions, supporting the UAE’s efforts in climate action. Dubai has witnessed a notable increase in electric vehicles,” he noted.
According to HE Al Tayer, by the end of April 2024, the number of electric vehicles in Dubai reached over 30,000 vehicles.
“This number is expected to increase in the coming years, reflecting Dubai’s success in fostering the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly transport. The number of registered customers in the EV Green Charger initiative has also increased to over 15,000 by the end of March 2024,” added HE Al Tayer.
“Signing the MoU with Parkin to install EV Green Charger stations in several prime locations managed by Parkin aligns with our shared vision to support the Government’s efforts to enhance the EV infrastructure and provide easy access to charging facilities using the latest innovative technologies to reduce charging time.”
This, he said, strengthens Dubai’s global position in urban planning and sustainable urban development and supports the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
Ahmed Bahrozyan, Chairman of Parkin’s Board of Directors, commented: “We look forward to collaborating closely with DEWA on the development, implementation and enhancement of EV charging infrastructure across Dubai with a clear focus on world-class facilities alongside a high-quality customer experience, serving the strategic and social objectives of the Emirate.
“Given the time it takes to re-charge clean energy vehicles, our parking facilities will play a key role in supporting the global transition to EV, with our extensive parking network providing easy access to charging services, helping to incentivise EV adoption and maintain our joint commitment to sustainable mobility,” added Bahrozyan.
The Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS 2024) has wrapped up, having run from May 20-22. In its third edition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the event gathered industry leaders to explore the latest trends and technologies and exchange ideas, featuring over 150 exhibitors.
EVIS 2024 was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and inaugurated by HE Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI.
In his opening speech, HE Al Olama said the Summit comes at a “critical time” as the world strives to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
“An all-inclusive decarbonization drive is a must to reach our collective goal. This raises an urgent need to promote green mobility and accelerate the reduction of CO2 emissions coming from the transport sector, one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases.”
At the event this week, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad We) unveiled a new joint venture (JV) called UAEV, focused on enhancing fast and accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the UAE.
EVIS 2024 also saw EV player Lucid Motors display its Lucid Air model, which has a range of 840 KM per charge; it was shared that the company is looking to expand into the UAE market, with plans to open studios across the Emirates.
Elsewhere, Techera exhibited its innovations, featuring its Wecharge mobility service and a range of AC and DC EV chargers, BESS devices and shore power solutions.
Eng. Naser Ali Al Bahri, CEO of Nirvana MICE, the event organiser, commented: “The tremendous response and positive feedback from this year’s summit have exceeded our expectations. It’s a testament to the vibrant future of the electric vehicle market. We are delighted by the enthusiasm and commitment to innovation demonstrated by all participants.”
Abdul Latif Jameel Finance has announced the launch of a new EV financing program in Egypt. It was shared that through the program, at least a 20 per cent down payment is required to access financing value of up to EGP 3 million, with a flexible tenor of up to five years. Customers also have access to insurance, maintenance, and spare parts financing programs of up to EGP 150,000.
Speaking about the EV Financing Program, Siraj Badqail, CEO of Abdul Latif Jameel Finance, said: “The introduction of the electric vehicle financing program aligns with our belief in the significance of environmental preservation and our dedication to promoting a more sustainable future.
“This program is a valuable investment for the future, offering potential for growth and advancement in the automobile industry. Moreover, it coincides with the government’s initiative to exempt electric vehicles from customs, further emphasizing our commitment to supporting this transition.”
Egypt’s EV market is currently considered a “starter market” in its nascent stage, with a limited number of EVs on the roads. The country faces various challenges with regard to EV uptake, including having one of the lowest GDPs per capita in the MENA region and the absence of an adequate charging infrastructure. According to the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index (GEMRIX) 2023, it ranked 28th. However, the report pegged it to “likely become” an important market for EVs.
Regeny, an EV charging solutions platform in the Middle East, and Tellus Power Green, a California-headquartered renewable energy solutions provider, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at promoting sustainable mobility solutions in the region.
Indeed, it was shared that demand for sustainable mobility is growing, and over the last two years, EV sales in the region have increased by 150 per cent. Further, the Middle East Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Market is set to grow at a CAGR of 25.3 per cent during 2024–2030 and is projected to be worth USD 1.5 billion by 2030.
Tellus Power noted that it will extend its reach to the region through the partnership and establish a comprehensive service centre in the Middle East. The centre will offer a ready stock of spare parts, trained personnel, and advanced technology assistance.
“We are thrilled to partner with Tellus Power Green, a global leader in EV infrastructure solutions, to develop a centre of excellence for DC fast charging in the UAE,” said Anish Racherla, CEO of Regeny.
“This collaboration represents a significant step towards driving positive environmental change and shaping the future of transportation in the Middle East. Together, we will empower communities with reliable and efficient EV charging solutions.”
“In collaboration with Regeny, we are excited to extend our reach and capabilities in the Middle East for our DC Fast Charging Product Line,” said Yeshwanth Reddy, Managing Director – India & Middle East, Tellus Power.
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.”
UAE Parkopedia has announced a partnership with EV charging solutions provider Regeny to provide Middle East drivers with EV charge point data in their vehicle head units to simplify the process of locating chargers.
According to the two parties, the partnership will initially see UAE charging data available in cars from one of the “premium global automakers,” providing drivers with access to half of the UAE’s EV chargers.
Later this year, Middle Eastern drivers will gain access to aggregated charging data in additional markets, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan.
Regeny shared that it offers access to more than 50 active charging sites and aggregates nearly 2,000 charging ports across the UAE, with more than 500 deployed within the last year.
Its OCPI roaming platform enables smart mobility and fleet owners to access the UAE’s aggregated charging network, with expansion into Saudi Arabia planned before the end of this year.
Parkopedia is also working with numerous CPOs to extend its charging POI data coverage across “increasingly important” markets, such as India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Chile.
This partnership with Regeny follows data from the latest Parkopedia Global Driver Survey, which found that 91 per cent of EV drivers find locating a public EV charge point stressful.
Jaap van den Hoek, Global Head of Partnerships at Parkopedia, commented: “We recognise the importance of taking the stress out of locating public chargers for EV drivers across the world.
“This is equally as important in emerging EV markets, such as the Middle East, which show strong signs of EV growth and we are delighted to be working with Regeny as its ambitious growth plans align with our mission of providing seamless connected car services to drivers around the globe.”
Meanwhile, Regeny Co-Founder and CEO Anish Racherla said: “Regeny is building a community of EV users and stakeholders making the shift to electric mobility seamless. Our collaboration with Parkopedia is the first in the region to enable charging information to be embedded in connected car ecosystems. This partnership will bring in an era of smart mobility for the UAE and Middle East.”
The Electric Vehicle Innovation Summit (EVIS 2024) is to be held from May 20-22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Set to explore the evolving electric mobility landscape, the event will showcase the latest trends, offer networking opportunities with industry leaders, and demonstrate new innovations in electric vehicle technology.
The event, taking place towards the close of this month, will host industry professionals, enthusiasts, and the public alike, with attendees given the opportunity to test drive the newest advancements in electric vehicle technology.
Elsewhere, the Technology Park will act as a hub for innovation, where universities, tech incubators, and entrepreneurs will showcase their most recent innovations in e-mobility during EVIS.
This venue will also host the Student Innovation Award and Startup Awards, highlighting the emerging leaders in the electric vehicle sector.
Eng. Naser Ali Al Bahri, Managing Director of Nirvana MICE, commented: “EVIS 2024 is an important event in the calendar for electric mobility, not only a conference. This year, we’re building a platform that not only highlights innovation but also fully engages every participant in the possibilities of electric mobility with our exciting milestones like the Technology Park and Outdoor Test Drive. The idea is to live in the future right now.”
Registration is now open. To learn more, head here.