The UAE's Ministry of Energy has recently deregulated petrol and diesel prices from August 1, 2015. They have increased the petrol prices by 24%. One of the objectives of this decision is to lower fuel consumption by encouraging residents to take alternative public transportation to protect the environment. Apart from different modes of public transport, some residents have started considering carpooling which is another way of reducing the carbon footprint.

Increases to the petrol price will mean more people will switch to fuel efficient cars  including electric and hybrid cars.

Dubai is using all means to promote the use of electric cars. There are electric cars already available and plying on the road.Through various advertisements , government , utility companies and environment agencies are encouraging residents to start using electric cars.

Dubai has spearheaded the drive to promote electric vehicles with the launch of EV charging stations as well as putting in place the mechanism and apparatus to inspect and register the vehicles. UAE is the only country in the region that has some electric vehicle presence and the country with the vision of its leadership and drive for sustainable development can lead the region in low-carbon transportation.

The use of electric vehicles could change the quality of life in the UAE, but accessibility of charging stations was key .  Dubai has taken steps in this regard by beginning to set up electric vehicle charging stations.

UAE is fully committed to sustainable transportation and has been undertaking many initiatives in this regard.

The introduction of electric vehicles to DEWA's fleet supports these strategies and complements one of the three initiatives that DEWA is undertaking to achieve the Smart Dubai initiative by the roll-out of 100 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of this year.

As Phase 1  of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority's (DEWA) Green Charger initiative , it has completed its first phase of building 16 electric vehicle charging stations.The remaining 84 will be installed by the end of 2015.

As it is a known fact that charging electric vehicles take longer , so to make it easy for EV owners , DEWA is building three types of electric vehicle charging stations, which are:

Fast charging stations: Charging takes 20-40 minutes. They will be installed in petrol stations and on highways.

Medium charging stations: Charging takes 2-4 hours. They will be installed in shopping malls, parks, offices, etc.

Home charging stations: Charging takes 6-8 hours.

Each station can accommodate two vehicles at the same time. Twelve stations have been installed at DEWA's centres, which can charge 24 vehicles simultaneously. Stations in petrol stations and other public places such as car parks will operate round the clock.

The Green Charger initiative grid will substantially contribute to introducing electric vehicles in Dubai, boosting the use of energy resources and reducing the Emirate's carbon footprint. DEWA keeps on taking steady, confident steps towards achieving the comprehensive sustainability .

Authorities are also looking into offering incentives such as exemption of import duty as well as other benefits for the owners of EVs as well as discounts on registration fees, free parking, Salik(Toll tax) exemption as well as discount on electricity consumption.

DEWA is currently establishing the necessary infrastructure in collaboration with car manufacturers, airports, Dubai Municipality, shopping malls, petrol stations, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), hotels, car parking operators and other facilities.