Electric vehicles are gaining continuous popularity in the UAE due to their efficiency and alignment with environmental protection standards. These vehicles offer drivers a distinctive long-term economic option by saving on fuel costs. In this article, we'll delve into the initiatives introduced by the government to promote eco-friendly cars and the discounts offered on electric vehicle insurance.
Government Incentives for Electric Vehicles
The United Arab Emirates government is earnestly striving to encourage the use of electric vehicles through various initiatives and incentives, including:
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Reduction in Roads and Transport Authority Fees: The government provides discounts on registration and renewal fees for electric vehicles.
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Salik Exemption: The Roads and Transport Authority launched an initiative exempting electric vehicle owners from Salik toll charges.
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"Green Charger" Initiative: As part of efforts to expand and promote green and sustainable mobility in Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) continues to develop the "Green Charger" initiative. This initiative aims to provide electric vehicle charging stations across Dubai, utilizing innovative technologies to ensure the success of the initiative. With over 300 stations and more than 530 charging points scattered throughout the emirate, including two ultra-fast charging stations (150 kW) at Expo 2020 Dubai and DEWA's headquarters, the authority plans to install more ultra-fast charging stations at key locations in Dubai to reduce vehicle charging time.
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Charging for Registered and Unregistered Vehicles: All electric vehicle users, whether they possess "Green Charger" cards or not, can charge their vehicles at DEWA's Green Charger stations. DEWA extends its services to all electric vehicle users in Dubai, including local and international visitors, allowing them to charge their vehicles using the "Visitor Mode" feature without the need to create an account. Users can choose from available packages for vehicle charging and pay the applicable fees through various payment channels.
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Smart Applications for Locating Charging Stations: Users can locate Green Charger stations in Dubai using the authority's website, its smart application, as well as digital map platforms like Google Maps, Apple Maps, Foursquare, Waze, and many other smart applications.
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Automatic Registration in Green Charger Service: DEWA provides Green Charger services to electric vehicle owners within one hour of registering their vehicles with the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai. Users are electronically notified of their account details, and they receive their Green Charger card within three working days. Users can also register for the Green Charger account through DEWA's website and smart application.
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Incentives to Encourage Green Mobility: DEWA supports green mobility in the emirate by providing incentives and facilities to promote the purchase of electric vehicles and raise awareness about the importance of green mobility. The authority offers free charging for non-commercial electric vehicles registered in the Green Charger service until December 31, 2021, exclusively at public charging stations operated by the authority, not at home charging stations. Commercial vehicle owners are required to pay a fee of 29 fils per kilowatt-hour.
Electric Vehicle Insurance: Discounts and Benefits
Some insurance companies in the UAE offer discounts on electric vehicle insurance documents, which can amount to 25% of the minimum prices, due to the reduced risks of accidents and associated repairs. Additionally, comprehensive insurance documents covering damages resulting from accidents and natural conditions such as electrical malfunctions are available. Shory.com is the easiest and fastest way to compare insurance documents and purchase insurance for your electric car that suits your needs instantly, in less than 90 seconds.
Conclusion
The UAE is witnessing a noticeable shift towards embracing electric vehicles, thanks to attractive government initiatives and advanced infrastructure. These initiatives provide electric vehicle owners with a wide range of incentives, including fee reductions, charging convenience, and even insurance discounts. These policies demonstrate the UAE's determination to lead the way towards a more sustainable transportation future, making owning an electric car a smart and cost-effective choice in the long run.
