MOEI and Etihad WE formalise UAEV joint venture to deliver best-in-class electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging infrastructure

Technology

MOEI and Etihad WE formalise UAEV joint venture to deliver best-in-class electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging infrastructure

Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure joint venture between the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) announced. § UAEV, will expand EV infrastructure across the UAE.

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) and Etihad Water and Electricity (Etihad WE) have announced a groundbreaking joint venture, UAEV, aimed at revolutionizing the electric vehicle (EV) landscape in the country. UAEV, the first EV charging network fully owned by the government, is set to enhance fast and accessible EV charging infrastructure across the UAE.

This initiative comes as global EV adoption accelerates, with electric car sales reaching 10 million units in 2022—a fivefold increase from 2019. The collaboration between MoEI and Etihad WE is poised to meet the growing demand for EV infrastructure in the UAE and facilitate a smoother transition to green transportation.

H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “UAEV embodies the power of collaboration between government and industry. It aims to provide essential electric vehicle infrastructure to boost EV adoption, energize communities, and unlock the economic potential of the UAE.”

Minister Al Mazrouei emphasized the environmental benefits, stating, “This partnership will further accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation, significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector, and bring our Net Zero 2050 Strategy within reach.”

H.E. Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at MoEI and Chairman of UAEV, noted the rise in EV adoption in 2023 and stressed the importance of expanding EV infrastructure to support current and prospective EV owners. “The UAEV partnership leverages complementary strengths of government and business, aiming to future-proof the UAE and achieve economic growth alongside climate action,” he said.

The deployment of EV charging infrastructure (EVCI) is crucial for widespread EV adoption. UAEV is dedicated to advancing the nation's electric mobility journey, responding to consumer demand, and aligning with the UAE leadership's vision that sustainability and growth should coexist.

Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity and Board Member of UAEV, described the venture as a major milestone for the company. “This strategy diversifies our operations and allows us to explore new products, services, and projects that benefit our customers and capitalize on emerging opportunities,” he explained.

Al Ali also highlighted the economic benefits, including job creation, and the role of EV infrastructure in modernizing the UAE’s transport network. “UAEV will energize communities, create new jobs, and empower customers to make sustainable choices,” he added.

As the largest employer in the Northern Emirates with a customer base exceeding 2 million households, Etihad WE recognizes the increasing environmental awareness among UAE consumers. “Our forward-thinking approach aims to anticipate customer needs and provide the technology, products, and infrastructure that support and empower them,” Al Ali concluded.

MoEI and Etihad WE plan to unveil further details about UAEV’s initiatives by the end of 2024, marking a significant step towards a sustainable and economically vibrant future for the UAE.