The UAE is on a drive to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in the country by adding more EV charging stations and creating awareness about EVs while improving infrastructure, making EV registration free or at a reduced cost.
UAE’s efforts seem to be fruitful, as a recent survey has revealed that over 70 per cent of UAE residents now favour EV and will strongly consider buying an electric vehicle in future. The survey cited reasons such as, potential cost savings, a growing number of EV charging stations and awareness about improving EV infrastructure in the country.
The survey carried out by General Motors and conducted by Morning Consult stated that the strong purchase consideration amongst all age groups and gender is due to the awareness about EVs, which is consistently high. The survey also found that seven out of ten, that is, 73 per cent consumers in the UAE are eager to explore the cost savings brought about by an EV.
Moreover, the top drivers favoured EV purchases due to the elevated cost of petrol and also as it is environment friendly. In comparison, 64 per cent considered buying an EV a year ago.
The survey was collected online from 500 respondents in the UAE from February to March and it explored the consumer interest in EVs, as well as awareness of long-term cost savings related to EV ownership, available EV options, and charging facilities.
The survey found that the general awareness of the concept of electric vehicles is 95 per cent.
Recently, a number of electric vehicle brands have also entered the UAE market this list includes, Canada’s AXL, Sweden’s Polestar and China’s BYD amongst others. With EVs market booming in the country,Al Futtaim Electric Mobility has major plans to set up nearly 3,000 charging points by 2030 in the country.
Jack Uppal, President and Managing Director, General Motors for Africa & Middle East, said, “It is promising to see the rising positive sentiment towards EVs in the UAE.As we progress towards our vision of the future of mobility, the increase in volume and variety of EV options we are anticipating to bring to market will respond to the shift in consumer awareness and consideration brought on by the long-term benefits of ownership – from apprehension around affordability and range, towards positive sentiment towards the ownership potential of these new technologies.”
Over one-third – 38 per cent – of respondents in the UAE were aware of the location of at least one convenient charging station. Around 8 per cent of the respondents said that they were aware about the availability of a convenient charging station in places like where they park their car at home, with the highest reported availability in public parking or shared private parking.
Notably, the UAE already has 600 charging points with further major growth plan to be implemented before 2050.
