UAE's electric vehicle charging landscape will soon see a major shift. EV owners who have enjoyed free charging across the country must prepare to pay starting January 2025. This new policy ends the era of complimentary charging that began with the network's launch.
The UAE government has built an extensive charging network, and Dubai now has more than 300 charging stations. Starting 2025, users will pay according to a new standardized fee structure. The rates will be Dhs1.25 per kWh for DC chargers and Dhs0.70 per kWh for AC chargers, plus VAT. These changes raise questions about EV charging costs and their potential impact on future electric vehicle adoption. The charging network will expand to 1,000 chargers by 2030, with stations planned at key locations like urban centers, highways, and transit points.
Let us walk you through the upcoming changes to electric car charging stations in Dubai and the UAE. We'll cover the new fees, expansion plans, and tools that will help you adapt to these changes.
What’s Changing in 2025 for EV Charging in UAE
The UAE's electric vehicle charging landscape faces a fundamental change. The country provided free charging to boost EV adoption. Now it plans to implement a paid model in 2025.
From free to paid: the timeline
Free charging served as the life-blood of UAE's original EV strategy. This incentive helped drivers overcome range anxiety and made electric vehicles more attractive to early adopters. The country will switch all public charging stations to a paid service model starting January 2025.
The government waited for the EV ecosystem to mature before making this change. Current EV owners have about six months to prepare for these new costs. Future buyers should think about this when they calculate their total ownership costs.
The new pricing structure splits charging costs by technology:
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DC fast charging: Dhs1.25 per kWh (plus VAT)
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AC standard charging: Dhs0.70 per kWh (plus VAT)
Users will pay the same rates at public charging networks throughout the emirates. This consistency helps drivers whatever their location. The prices line up with global standards while reflecting local energy costs.
Why the change is happening now
UAE picked a strategic moment in its EV trip to switch to paid charging. The country reached good adoption levels, and the original incentive worked well. Free charging helped launch the market - that was always the plan.
Dubai runs over 300 charging stations today. The infrastructure has grown substantially. Plans call for 1,000 stations nationwide by 2030. Free service isn't financially viable anymore.
The system needs sustainable funding to support repairs and growth. Charging fees will help improve reliability, add new stations, and upgrade existing technology.
This change follows global EV infrastructure trends. Most developed markets already use fee-based charging systems that balance cost and sustainability. UAE adopts this proven model while adapting it to local needs.
New Standardized Charging Fees Explained
The UAE Cabinet's Decision No. 81 of 2024 marks the end of free electric vehicle charging. EV owners will now pay based on a new pricing structure. Here's what you need to know about these fees.
AC vs DC charging costs
The new fee structure comes with two pricing tiers that depend on the charging technology:
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AC (slow) charging: 0.70 AED per kWh plus VAT
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DC (fast/express) charging: 1.20 AED per kWh plus VAT
DC chargers deliver power much faster than AC, which explains their higher price point. A 60 kWh EV battery would cost about 42 AED to charge with AC and 72 AED with DC (before VAT).
DEWA now offers a "Guest Mode" for users who haven't registered. This feature provides charging packages based on charger type and time. A 30-minute session on a 22kW public charger costs 8.09 AED with VAT included.
How VAT affects the final price
The UAE's 5% VAT applies to every charging session. This brings the rates to:
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AC charging: about 0.735 AED per kWh
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DC charging: about 1.26 AED per kWh
These small additions add up, especially for EVs with larger batteries that need more power. A full charge using DC charging might cost around 63 AED with VAT for a 60-minute session.
Comparison with previous free model
EVs remain cheaper to run than regular cars, even with paid charging. EV charging costs nowhere near as much as petrol, which runs about 3 dirhams per liter compared to just 0.70 dirhams per unit for slow charging.
Many EV owners welcome this change. They believe it will help reduce unnecessary charging and ease congestion at public stations. "Often, I would find people using chargers in public places despite not needing it because it was free," said one EV owner who commutes between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
How the UAE is Expanding EV Charging Infrastructure
The UAE is building a reliable network of charging points faster as part of its dedication to environmentally responsible transportation. The emirates have launched several initiatives to give electric vehicle owners easy access to charging infrastructure wherever they go.
Target of 1,000 chargers by 2030
UAEV, the joint venture between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity, wants to install 1,000 EV chargers throughout the UAE by 2030. The expansion will happen in planned phases. The first phase will see 100 chargers installed by the end of 2024. The network will grow steadily throughout this decade.
Each emirate has its own expansion goals. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) plans to increase its network of public Green Charging Stations by 170%, from 370 in 2023 to 1,000 by 2025. Abu Dhabi has even bigger plans through collaboration between ADNOC and TAQA to install 70,000 EV charging points by 2030.
Locations: urban hubs, highways, and transit points
The strategic placement of charging infrastructure matters as much as the number of chargers. UAEV places its stations at:
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Urban centers with high population density
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Major highways connecting emirates
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Key transit points for intercity travelers
DEWA has installed charging stations in many locations throughout Dubai. You'll find them at government offices, airports, petrol stations, shopping malls, commercial buildings, hospitals, residential complexes, and other establishments. The first flagship EV charging hub will launch this year. It will feature next-generation ultra-fast chargers that can fully charge newer EV models in just 10 minutes.
Role of UAEV and DEWA in infrastructure rollout
UAEV stands as an innovative government-owned charging network that emerged from the partnership between the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Etihad Water and Electricity. This organization focuses on delivering fast and available charging infrastructure in all seven emirates.
The charging network keeps growing, and it makes sense to Get Electric Car nsurance Quotes that cover charging-related incidents at these new facilities.
DEWA, which operates in Dubai, has led EV infrastructure development since launching its Green Charger initiative in 2015. Starting with 100 chargers, DEWA now operates over 400 charging stations that can serve about 740 electric vehicles at once.
Both organizations have implemented advanced features in their charging networks. DEWA's chargers connect through a Charge Point Management System. Users can check charger status and locations on DEWA's website, smart app, and 14 other digital platforms. DEWA also researches ultra-fast charging, mobile charging, and inductive charging technologies to be proactive in the electric vehicle industry.
Tools and Support for EV Drivers in the UAE
The UAE's EV charging infrastructure has shifted from free to paid services. Digital tools and support systems play a vital role for drivers. These resources help drivers find their way through the various electric vehicle charging options.
UAEV mobile app features
The UAEV app serves as a helpful companion for EV owners in the emirates. Drivers can find charging stations, see up-to-the-minute availability, and check current pricing before they leave home. The app lets users start charging sessions by scanning QR codes at stations or using RFID cards.
The payment system stands out as a key feature. Drivers link their credit or debit cards to pay as they go without any prepayment. The app shows charging speeds at each location, which helps drivers plan their stops better.
24/7 call center and live updates
EV drivers get support around the clock through several channels. DEWA runs a dedicated customer care center (04-601-9999) to help right away. Text-based support works through WhatsApp at +971-4-601-9999, available 24/7.
UAEV keeps an eye on network health constantly. Their technicians try remote fixes when stations stop working. The support team at +971-585-230-234 helps with any charging problems.
Before heading out on longer trips, it's wise to Get Electric Car Insurance Quotes that include roadside assistance for charging-related issues.
How to find electric car charging stations in Dubai
Finding charging stations has become simple with several digital options:
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Mobile apps: DEWA Smart App, UAEV, Regeny, and ChargeMap show locations with up-to-the-minute status updates
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Navigation platforms: Google Maps, Apple Maps, TomTom, and specialized services like PlugShare and ElectroMaps
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Vehicle systems: Many modern EVs come with built-in navigation to nearby charging points
Most platforms let you filter by charger type, availability status, and connector compatibility. DEWA's charging locations show up on 14 digital platforms. This means drivers can find stations easily, whatever navigation tool they prefer.
Conclusion
The Future of EV Charging in UAE
Electric vehicle charging in the UAE has reached a turning point. The switch from free to paid charging marks a big change for EV owners across the country. This change shows how the EV ecosystem is maturing rather than taking a step back.
The new fee structure brings fresh costs to think about. EV drivers need to set aside Dhs0.70 per kWh for AC charging and Dhs1.25 per kWh for DC fast charging, plus VAT. These new costs still keep electric vehicles more economical than traditional fuel-powered cars.
The ambitious infrastructure expansion races ahead. The UAE's plan to set up 1,000 chargers nationwide by 2030 shows its steadfast dedication to green transportation. DEWA aims to boost its network by 170% in Dubai, which reinforces this commitment. These changes will give EV owners better access and convenience even after free charging ends.
Digital tools are vital during this change. The UAEV app, round-the-clock support, and various navigation platforms help drivers find charging stations quickly. These resources become more valuable as the network grows and changes.
The paid charging model will affect how people calculate EV ownership costs. The reduced congestion at charging stations, bigger infrastructure, and better technology will boost the overall EV experience. Free charging helped early adopters, but the new sustainable model will help the network grow reliably for years.
EV owners should see this change as a sign of market growth rather than worry. The UAE stays committed to its electric vehicle future. This transition is just another step toward a greener transportation system.
