Dubai is all set to become a smart and green city, by controlling the traffic pollution and using alternative methods to heavy smoke emitting vehicles. For this purpose, authorities like Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (Dewa), Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Ministry of Environment have joined hands to introduce electric vehicles (EV) in the market. These electric vehicles will provide a double benefit; they will produce no smoke, which will not only help in diminishing pollution but will also prove to be a cheap mode of transport for the general public.
Furthermore, Dubai government is going to set electrical charging stations at public places to facilitate charging of these EVs. The first of its kind will be installed at DEWA headquarters on 25 Feb. 15. Owing to the success of this charging station, 100 more stations are planned to be installed all over Emirates by April 2015.
According to Hakim Boutehra, Renault Middle East Managing Director, negotiations are underway between Renault and Dubai government regarding location of the charging stations, their initiation, lawful requirements, technological qualifications and dealers.
Not only government will be providing these charging services but restaurants and shopping malls will also have to install these electric charging stations. Customers will preferably go to such places which are providing the facility of charging their vehicles.
In the words of Mark Carson, Senior Manager for Dubai Technical Hub and Field Quality at Renault GCC, a 22kw vehicle can be charged in just one hour and can travel up to 120 kms with this charging. This distance can be extended if the driver chooses the economy mode driving.
In Europe, the installation of these charging units used to cost $3,000 to $4,000 (Dh11,000 to Dh14,500) two years back, but thanks to the advancement in technology, things are a little different today. Charging of a single vehicle costs up to one Euro (Dh4.15) in Europe.