Driving electric cars in the UAE is becoming more acceptable, and the UAE is warmly welcoming sustainable transportation choices, with electric vehicles (EVs) shining brightly in the country’s Green Mobility Strategy. As fuel prices increase and the government rolls out exciting new incentives, owning an electric car is turning into a smart and budget-friendly option for everyone. This article highlights the many perks of driving an EV in the UAE, including reduced maintenance costs, the joy of free parking, and the wonderful environmental benefits they offer.
1. Low Maintenance
Electric vehicles require significantly less maintenance than traditional petrol or diesel cars. With fewer moving parts, EVs eliminate the need for oil changes, engine tuning, and complex mechanical repairs. The key maintenance requirements for EVs include battery management, brake system checks, and tire replacements. This translates to fewer workshop visits and lower long-term ownership costs.
2. Low Running Costs
Driving an electric car in the UAE is more affordable compared to petrol-powered vehicles. The cost of charging an EV is much lower than refueling a petrol car, leading to substantial savings.
- Petrol cost per km (AED 2.74 per liter)
- EV charging cost per km (Approx. AED 0.40 per kWh)
Over a year, these savings can add up to thousands of dirhams, making EVs a cost-efficient choice for daily commuting.
3. Better Driving Experience
Electric cars provide a smooth and quiet driving experience. With instant torque delivery, EVs accelerate faster and offer responsive handling. The absence of engine noise creates a more comfortable ride, especially in urban environments. Features like regenerative braking also enhance driving efficiency by converting energy back into the battery, reducing wear on the brake system.
4. EVs Are Faster
Electric cars outperform traditional combustion engine vehicles in acceleration due to their instant power delivery. Many high-performance EVs can achieve 0-100 km/h in just a few seconds. Even budget-friendly EV models offer quick acceleration, making them a practical choice for both city driving and highway cruising.
Some of the fastest electric cars available in the UAE include:
- Tesla Model 3 Performance: 0-100 km/h in 3.1 seconds
- Porsche Taycan Turbo S: 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds
- Lucid Air Grand Touring: 0-100 km/h in 3.0 seconds
5. Government Incentives for Driving Electric Cars
The UAE government actively promotes electric vehicle adoption by offering various incentives to EV owners. These benefits include:
- Free Salik tag registration for EVs
- Exemption from certain vehicle registration fees
- Discounts on toll charges and priority parking spots
These incentives make owning an electric vehicle more attractive and help reduce the financial burden associated with vehicle ownership.
6. Driving Electric Cars are Environment Friendly
Electric vehicles contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions. Unlike petrol and diesel cars, EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, improving air quality in cities. The UAE is investing heavily in clean energy sources, such as solar power, to support a more sustainable transportation network.
Key environmental benefits of EVs include:
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- Lower dependence on fossil fuels
- Support for Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050
By driving an EV, residents can actively participate in reducing their carbon footprint.
7. Fast Charging
Concerns about charging time are becoming less relevant as the UAE expands its EV charging infrastructure. The country now offers a network of fast-charging stations that significantly reduce charging time.
Charging speeds in Dubai:
- Home Charging: 8-12 hours (AC charger)
- Fast Public Charging: 30-60 minutes (DC fast charger)
- Ultra-Fast Charging: 15-20 minutes (Ultra DC charger)
Major providers such as DEWA, Tesla, and ADNOC are expanding their charging networks, ensuring easy access to fast-charging options across the UAE.
8. Free Parking if you are Driving Electric Cars?
Electric vehicle owners in Dubai enjoy the incredible perk of free parking in specially designated green zones! The RTA has thoughtfully reserved special EV parking spots in prime locations, making it super easy and convenient for EV drivers to find a place to park their cars.
Popular EV parking locations:
- Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- Jumeirah Beach Road
- Dubai Marina
By taking advantage of free EV parking, owners can save on daily parking fees while enjoying priority access to premium parking spots.
9. Cleaner Environment
The UAE’s shift towards electric vehicles is part of a broader effort to reduce pollution and promote sustainable urban living. By reducing emissions, EVs contribute to better air quality and a healthier environment.
Environmental advantages of electric cars:
- No exhaust emissions
- Reduced noise pollution
- Decreased reliance on fossil fuels
The UAE’s long-term goal is to transition to a zero-emission transportation system, and EVs are crucial to achieving this vision.
Top 10 New EVs You Can Buy
1. JAC E30X 2025 – New Car Price: AED 98,800
- Battery: 51.5 kWh
- Power: 134 hp
- Range: 400 km (WLTP)
- Charging Time: 1.5 hours
- Infotainment System: 15.6-inch touchscreen with 6.2-inch digital speedometer
Key Features: The JAC E30x features a large infotainment system, an efficient 51.5 kWh battery, and a claimed range of 400 km per charge, making it a practical EV for urban and highway use.
2. Chevrolet Bolt – New Car Price AED 174,500
- Engine: Single electric motor
- Power: 204 hp
- 360 NM TORQUE
- 10.2 INCH INFOTAINMENT§ COLOR TOUCHSCREEN
- Range: 520 KM (NEDC) OF ELECTRIC RANGE ON A FULL CHARGE
Key Features: Chevrolet Bolt holds a 66 kWh battery, regenerative braking, one-pedal driving, spacious interior
Why It’s Popular: The Chevrolet Bolt EV is a practical, efficient, and affordable electric vehicle with a long-range and excellent urban usability.
3. Skywell ET5 Luxury – Price Starting From AED 180,000
- Battery: 72 kWh
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic (1A)
- Power: 204 hp
- Torque: 320 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 9.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 200 km/h
Key Features: Skywell ET5 Luxury equipped with a powerful 72 kWh battery, smooth single-speed automatic transmission, and 204 hp motor, this EV delivers a balanced blend of performance and efficiency for daily commuting and highway drives.
4. Geely Geometry C 2024 – Price Starting from AED 109,900
- Battery: 53 kWh
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic (1A)
- Power Output: 201 hp
- Torque: 310 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 150 km/h
Key Features: Geely Geometry C offers instant torque and smooth acceleration, making it an ideal urban EV with responsive handling and efficiency.
5. MG 4 EV 2025 – New Car Price: AED 102,060
- Battery: 51 kWh
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic (1A)
- Power Output: 168 hp
- Torque: 250 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 160 km/h
Key Features: MG 4 EV has a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration for better handling and driving dynamics, making it a fun and engaging electric vehicle.
6. BYD Atto 3 – New Car Price: AED 149,900
- Battery: 60.5 kWh
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic (1A)
- Power Output: 201 hp
- Torque: 310 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.3 seconds
- Top Speed: 180 km/h
Key Features: BYD Atto 3 Front-wheel drive (FWD) for efficient energy consumption and stable handling, making it ideal for city and highway driving.
7. Xpeng G6 2025 – Price Starting From AED 165,900
- Battery: 66 kWh
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic (1A)
- Power Output: 251 hp
- Torque: 440 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 200 km/h
Key Features: Xpeng G6 2025 rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup enhances dynamic handling and performance, making it a strong contender for those looking for a powerful yet efficient EV.
8. Kia EV5 – New Car Price: AED 160,000
- Battery: 64.2 kWh
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic (1A)
- Power Output: 215 hp
- Torque: 310 Nm
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 185 km/h
Key Features: Kia EV5 with Front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration, balanced power and efficiency, and mid-range battery capacity for extended city and highway driving.
9. Volkswagen ID.4 – Used Car Price: AED ~ 90,000
- Power Output: 340 hp
- Battery Capacity: 52 kWh / 77 kWh
- Charging Time (Home AC, 11 kW, 0% to 100%): 5 hours 30 minutes (52 kWh), 8 hours (77 kWh)
- Range (WLTP): 360 km – 570 km
- Trim Levels: Pure, Pure Plus, Pro, Pro Plus, GTX, GTX Plus
Key Features: Volkswagen ID. 4 is Available in probably used condition, offering flexibility in range, power, and features. Equipped with fast-charging capability for daily commuters and long-distance drivers.
10. Tesla Model 3 – Used Car Price: AED 159,990
- Engine: Single-motor EV
- Power: 283 hp
- Range: 584 km (EPA)
- Charging: DC fast-charging (282 km range in 15 minutes)
- Infotainment: 15.4-inch touchscreen with Autopilot
Key Features: Tesla Model 3 and other Teslas are equipped with Tesla’s Autopilot, an advanced driver-assistance system, and a large touchscreen interface, making it a tech-forward electric sedan.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles offer multiple benefits, including cost savings, government incentives, and environmental advantages. With increasing support from the UAE government and expanding charging infrastructure, now is the best time to switch to an EV. For those looking to explore the best electric cars available in the UAE, visit ArabWheels for expert reviews, price comparisons, and insights into the future of electric mobility.
Also Read: Hybrid or Electric Cars – Which One is Best in the UAE
FAQs
1. How much does it cost to charge an EV in the UAE?
The average cost of charging an electric vehicle in the UAE is AED 0.40 per kWh, making it significantly cheaper than petrol.
2. Where can I charge my electric car in Dubai?
Public EV charging stations are available at shopping malls, business districts, gas stations, and residential areas. Major providers include DEWA, Tesla, and ADNOC.
3. Are electric cars exempt from Salik tolls in Dubai?
EVs were previously exempt from Salik tolls, but as of 2024, standard Salik charges apply unless new incentives are announced.
4. What is the lifespan of an EV battery?
Most EV batteries last between 8-15 years and come with warranties covering at least 8 years or 160,000 km.
