As an oil exporter, the UAE has long enjoyed petrol prices lower than most developed and developing countries despite the recent increases. However, the government recognises the country’s need to embrace cleaner, lower carbon-emitting technologies — some-thing reflected in Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme of sustainability.
“We are fortunate to be in the UAE, where the government has set clear environmental targets, and is making serious and fast changes towards a better preservation of the environment as well as finding alternative energy sources,” says Saud Abbasi, Managing Director of Al Futtaim Toyota.
Here are some initiatives the country is working on to drive the growth of eco-friendly vehicles among residents.
Electric incentives
Last September, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) announced a number of incentives for owners of electric vehicles in the emirate.
Buyers of electric vehicles can enjoy complimentary charging of their cars at Dewa stations until 2019. They will also have free access to designated green parking spots across the emirate, zero registration and renewal fees, a free Salik tag as well as a special sticker on their licence plate, which allows access to the free parking spots.
Hydrogen hopes
It’s not just electric vehicles and hybrids on the horizon for eco-friendly cars. Toyota’s zero-emission saloon, Mirai, has been trialled with taxis in Dubai over the past six months. Unlike EVs, the hydrogen-powered car can be refuelled in under five minutes, providing more than 500km of mileage. Like EVs, it’s noiseless. However, due to the lack of hydrogen fuelling infrastructure – so far, the only operational station is in Toyota’s Al Badia showroom at Dubai Festival City – and the high costs of building these, hydrogen-powered cars are still several years away.
Cars in the market
Renault gained a crucial first-mover advantage in the electric vehicles space with its Zoe, when eight of these superminis were purchased by Dewa in 2015. Last year, the French automaker brought its long-range models to the UAE. The vehicles start at Dh143,325. The biggest headline-maker, however, was Tesla, which landed here with a big bang when Elon Musk made an appearance in February 2017 to launch the brand, which opened a showroom in June. The American brand is a pricey proposition, though, with the base Model S starting at Dh315,000. The most affordable option would be Nissan’s Leaf, which will set you back about Dh118,000.
