As part of its strategy to turn Dubai into a smart city, DEWA (Dubai Electric and Water Authority) has added 8 electric cars to its fleet. The move makes DEWA the first government organisation in Dubai to adopt EVs according to the guidelines of Dubai Plan 2012, which focuses on sustainability.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO, DEWA, said, “The move supports the Smart Dubai initiative and the vision of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into the smartest city in the world, and in line with the strategy to reduce carbon emissions in Dubai by 16% by 2021”.

DEWA is also moving forward with its plan to have 100 electric cars charging stations. The first 16 charging stations are already in place with a further 84 to be completed by the end of the year. The charging stations are of three types according to their locations and the speed at which they can fully charge an electric car.

Fast-charging stations that take 20-40 minutes will be installed at petrol stations. Medium-charging stations take 2-4 hours and will be installed in shopping malls, parks, and offices, while home charging stations would take 6-8 hours to charge.