Dubai, UAE, 25 November 2015

The world has made an impressive technological leap with the invention and development of electric cars, in keeping with the modern world's focus on developing vehicles that consume less fuel. The advancement in electric vehicle technology has accelerated over the past decade, and many renowned global automobile companies have gone in the direction of producing, or making plans to produce, electric cars. Electric car batteries are recharged at dedicated charging stations, just like a petrol station. Automobile manufacturers are in a race to develop electric cars that can run longer distances without recharging by using high-quality batteries.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) started installing and managing the required infrastructure to power these vehicles in line with the Smart Dubai initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai the smartest city in the world. DEWA recognises that more and more people are attracted to the concept of using a cost-efficient, clean car that preserves a clean and sustainable environment. DEWA installs and manages the required infrastructure to supply cars with electric power, to decrease air pollution and preserve the environment.

"Inspired by the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA works to achieve its development goals, which support the UAE Vision 2021 and the Dubai Plan 2021. The strategic objectives of these initiatives support the long-term Green Economy for Sustainable Development initiative, to establish the UAE as one of the global leaders in this area, and a global hub for exporting and re-exporting green products and technologies, while maintaining a sustainable environment that supports economic growth in the long run," said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

"Our objective for the transition towards the smartest city in the world is to achieve the happiness of society and provide instant and seamless smart services anytime, anywhere, and support the overall transition towards sustainability, including energy sustainability. Dubai has all the elements to reach top positions globally and has become a leading global hub for trade, finance, tourism, and green economy. The Green Charger initiative will hugely and effectively contribute to boosting the spread of electric cars in Dubai, which will decrease the carbon footprint of the Emirate," added Al Tayer.

DEWA opened the first charging station in February and installed 16 Green Charger stations for public use. Twelve stations were built at DEWA offices that can charge 24 cars at once. Four charging stations have been installed at the Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai Design District (D3). DEWA will increase its dependence on electric cars in the near future to support the transition towards green transportation and the move towards green solutions in Dubai. Furthermore, DEWA always keeps abreast of the latest updates in this field and conducts research and development to make Dubai a leader in electric vehicles.

The concept of electric cars is based on the use of electricity as an alternative to fuel. Electric cars achieve an important goal: to preserve the environment by using less energy and water.

DEWA adds 8 electric cars to its fleet

DEWA has added 8 electric cars to its fleet, becoming the first government organisation in Dubai to use cars that only use batteries. DEWA aims to implement the Dubai Green Transport initiative and encourage the use of sustainable transportation with hybrid and electric vehicles, which will cut total carbon emissions in Dubai.

"In line with the strategy to reduce carbon emissions in Dubai by 16% by 2021, we take pride in being the first government organisation to add high-performance electric cars to its fleet. This move supports Dubai's ambition to achieve a 10% increase in the total number of hybrid and electric cars in use by 2030. DEWA is the first public utility to make this ambition a reality," said Al Tayer

"DEWA is making history by beginning a new phase of adopting green transportation solutions in Dubai. We are confident that the infrastructure of charging stations will encourage everyone in Dubai to deploy electric vehicles in their operations, and we hope individuals will also join in the initiative as well," added Al Tayer.

Types of Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles

DEWA has invested in the latest technologies to stay up-to-date with global trends based on the development of electric car batteries, the reduction of the time to charge cars from hours to minutes, and the decrease in weight and cost. DEWA has also established a strong foundation to accelerate the use of electric cars across the Emirate, powered by a world-class advanced infrastructure.

DEWA is setting up three types of charging stations. Fast-charging stations that take 20-40 minutes will be installed at petrol stations. Medium-charging stations that take 2-4 hours and will be installed in shopping malls, parks, and offices, and Home charging stations that take 6-8 hours to charge.

Partnerships to achieve Green Charger initiative

DEWA collaborates with relevant stakeholders and signs MoUs with pioneering entities to support the Green Charger initiative. These include car dealers, national airports, shopping malls, petrol stations, Dubai Municipality, RTA, hotels, and owners and operators of parking lots in Dubai.

Electric vehicle owners can visit any of DEWA's customer service centres to register and get the Green Charger card. The documents required for registration are the user's Emirates ID card, driver's licence and vehicle registration. Customers receive the Green Charger bills via email, which they can settle using any of DEWA's payment channels.

-Ends- 

For more information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O.Box: 500266
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel:  00971 4 456 2888
Fax: 00971 4 454 9528
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2015