Latest news with #EVAdoption


Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Driving the future of electric vehicles in the UAE
Electric vehicle adoption in the UAE is growing rapidly and it's backed by government strategies, businesses electrifying their fleets and consumers seeing the advantages of technology-first vehicles. But while momentum builds around electric vehicle purchasing and leasing, underneath the surface are some major challenges for the UAE's policies, infrastructure and investments. Right now, is a pivotal point for the success of EV adoption and the push towards Net Zero. The infrastructure for future success is not currently available; how this infrastructure is built and who pays for it are key questions. A surge in demand Currently, there are more than 25,000 EVs on the road in the UAE and the signs are that this will continue to grow rapidly. Around 3% of total car sales in the UAE are EVs, but with global vehicle manufacturers switching to 'all electric' models, it is expected that 30% of the country's vehicles will be electric by 2030, in line with governmental targets towards a Net Zero future. New leasing models will also attract EV ownership across private and commercial sectors – by 2030 electric leasing is expected to grow in popularity from 27% to 46%, as drivers address technology obsolescence concerns and reduce their upfront capital expenditure. The opportunity is even more compelling for businesses operating set or predictable trips - such as logistics, transport fleets and delivery vehicles, where journeys can easily be plotted from charger to charger. Electrification of fleet vehicles is also rapidly evolving; for example, Dubai's RTA aims to convert 100% of its taxis and limousines to either electric or hydrogen vehicles by 2040 and public buses will be entirely electric or hydrogen-powered by 2050. Meanwhile, Dubai taxi has eyed 2027 as the year when all its fleet will be either electric or hybrid. However, despite the public and private increase in EV popularity, there's a problem. Fast charger shortfall At the moment, in the region of 2,000 public charging points are in operation across the UAE – but driven by future demand, it is estimated the Emirates will need 45,000 by 2035, which is far more than the predicted 10,000 at the current pace of installation. A lack of charging infrastructure potentially threatens the government's electrification ambitions, causes consumers to question whether to adopt an EV, or worse, cause severe bottlenecks at public charging points. One of the key aspects to address is in ensuring EVs owned by residents and private commercial vehicles do not operate across the same infrastructure. Delivery vehicles, logistics trucks, taxis and ride hailing services, currently occupy much of the same infrastructure used by the general public. At Positive Zero, we are attempting to address this challenge by building private on-site charging hubs for businesses that are highly efficient and specifically designed for rapid, high-volume needs. We complement this private infrastructure with renewable energy (distributed solar generation), a key enabler for promoting 'clean' EV charging. Adapting models for charging Decentralised charging points and battery-swapping stations are also gaining traction. For example, we rolled out a decentralised charging station for the RTA at COP28 to meet their major event needs – this is something we see becoming more mainstream, especially as the Emirates continues to welcome major conferences and global music and sports events. Ensuring satisfaction for EV users EV users need fast, easy-to-use and available infrastructure. By providing private commercial users with on-site infrastructure, residents can benefit too. This approach complements the government's ambitions and the right decentralised policy frameworks are already in place – now it's up to private enterprises to adopt the infrastructure that supports their businesses. The road ahead – private commercial infrastructure that makes sense We see this commercial adoption occurring through a 'no upfront cost' model, where companies adopt private EV infrastructure on their premises and sites to effectively and profitably electrify their fleets and equipment. By addressing the initial cap-ex concerns, Positive Zero accelerates private commercial viability of electrification and with it, the ability to improve how commercial EVs operate and consume energy. The message outlining decarbonization through EVs was already well-established and known amongst the UAE's corporate leaders, but now the economic case can be proven and infrastructure challenges addressed, there is no reason to stop the rapid growth of private EV fleets. With tailormade charging infrastructure that supports businesses, we predict a serious uplift in EV experiences across the UAE.


Malay Mail
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
VinFast joins global push into UAE's expanding EV market
VinFast officially launched in the Middle East in October 2024. HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - As the UAE moves steadily toward an electric future, Vietnam's VinFast is establishing its presence, aligning with government ambitions and shifting consumer electric this way comes to the streets of the UAE, as global EV brands are racing to capture the attention of local drivers. These include some from faraway places like Vietnam, as in the case of VinFast, which has been opening showrooms and hosting brand launches in the GCC easy to see why this is the case. Market projections show the UAE's electric vehicle market revenue will reach $1.95 billion by 2025[1]. The people also seem ready for a change: A 2024 survey found that 73% of UAE residents want to buy electric cars, with 50% of participants drawn by the promise of advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency (35%), and enhanced safety features[2]. Almost half view electric vehicles as the future of transportation, with 38% planning to purchase one soon. And for some early adopters, that future is already here, with a 23.6% increase in EV charging usage in Dubai by early 2025, according to Dubai's Electricity and Water Authority[3].The UAE government recognizes this momentum and acts accordingly. Dubai offers free parking for EV owners, provides complimentary Salik tags, and has been expanding charging infrastructure. One expert even suggested creating an EV-only lane on Sheikh Zayed Road if the government wants to achieve its goal of having half of the cars on its roads be electric by 2050[4].In that context, emerging brands are all vying for a piece of the UAE market, challenging traditional automakers with fresh design languages, high-tech features, and competitive pricing. The upstart VinFast exemplifies this new wave of car its home market of Vietnam, a country not historically associated with high-tech car manufacturing, VinFast has managed to build an EV supply chain with a 60% localization rate, aiming for 80% by brand has recently become Vietnam's best-selling car brand in 2024, thanks to its comprehensive EV ecosystem that includes widespread charging infrastructure and strong after-sales policies. That local appeal has become the launchpad for expansion across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle VF 8 model represents the brand's international debut, featuring premium design elements and advanced smart technology that align with UAE preferences for both sustainability and VF 8 offers competitive performance metrics alongside industry-leading warranty coverage of 10-year/200,000 km vehicle coverage, 10-year/unlimited mileage battery coverage, and comprehensive after-sales support. The vehicle's refined design language and cutting-edge technology package, including a full set of ADAS and 11 airbags, appeal to drivers who view their cars as extensions of their lifestyle global players will likely enter the UAE market, drawn by government support, consumer enthusiasm, and infrastructure development. The combination creates ideal conditions for brands willing to invest in long-term that context, new EV brands like VinFast, by diving in early, are actively shaping the future of driving in the UAE, proving that electric mobility can deliver both environmental benefits and exceptional #VinFast The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Zawya
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
VinFast joins global push into UAE's expanding EV market
HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - As the UAE moves steadily toward an electric future, Vietnam's VinFast is establishing its presence, aligning with government ambitions and shifting consumer preferences. Something electric this way comes to the streets of the UAE, as global EV brands are racing to capture the attention of local drivers. These include some from faraway places like Vietnam, as in the case of VinFast, which has been opening showrooms and hosting brand launches in the GCC nations. It's easy to see why this is the case. Market projections show the UAE's electric vehicle market revenue will reach $1.95 billion by 2025[1]. The people also seem ready for a change: A 2024 survey found that 73% of UAE residents want to buy electric cars, with 50% of participants drawn by the promise of advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency (35%), and enhanced safety features[2]. Almost half view electric vehicles as the future of transportation, with 38% planning to purchase one soon. And for some early adopters, that future is already here, with a 23.6% increase in EV charging usage in Dubai by early 2025, according to Dubai's Electricity and Water Authority[3]. The UAE government recognizes this momentum and acts accordingly. Dubai offers free parking for EV owners, provides complimentary Salik tags, and has been expanding charging infrastructure. One expert even suggested creating an EV-only lane on Sheikh Zayed Road if the government wants to achieve its goal of having half of the cars on its roads be electric by 2050[4]. In that context, emerging brands are all vying for a piece of the UAE market, challenging traditional automakers with fresh design languages, high-tech features, and competitive pricing. The upstart VinFast exemplifies this new wave of car manufacturers. In its home market of Vietnam, a country not historically associated with high-tech car manufacturing, VinFast has managed to build an EV supply chain with a 60% localization rate, aiming for 80% by 2026. The brand has recently become Vietnam's best-selling car brand in 2024, thanks to its comprehensive EV ecosystem that includes widespread charging infrastructure and strong after-sales policies. That local appeal has become the launchpad for expansion across the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. VinFast's VF 8 model represents the brand's international debut, featuring premium design elements and advanced smart technology that align with UAE preferences for both sustainability and luxury. The VF 8 offers competitive performance metrics alongside industry-leading warranty coverage of 10-year/200,000 km vehicle coverage, 10-year/unlimited mileage battery coverage, and comprehensive after-sales support. The vehicle's refined design language and cutting-edge technology package, including a full set of ADAS and 11 airbags, appeal to drivers who view their cars as extensions of their lifestyle choices. More global players will likely enter the UAE market, drawn by government support, consumer enthusiasm, and infrastructure development. The combination creates ideal conditions for brands willing to invest in long-term success. In that context, new EV brands like VinFast, by diving in early, are actively shaping the future of driving in the UAE, proving that electric mobility can deliver both environmental benefits and exceptional experiences. Hashtag: #VinFast The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. VinFast


Malay Mail
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
VinFast Finds Strategic Opening in Gulf's EV Shift
The Gulf nations offer more than growth potential. For VinFast, it presents a well-timed opportunity to expand into a region that's actively investing in clean transportation while remaining open to new players. VinFast officially launched in the Middle East in October 2024. HANOI, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newswire - 29 May 2025 - Gulf countries are reinventing themselves, quickly. They are now investing in cleaner energy, modern infrastructure, and long-term economic resilience. National strategies like UAE Vision 2031 and Qatar Vision 2030 are pushing change across energy, transport, and vehicles can play an important part in this shift. They support environmental goals and open up new industrial opportunities, helping to build new value chains and attract long-term investment. What's more, people in the region are already warming up to the UAE, for example, 63% of residents want EVs to be their main way of getting around by 2025, according to a YouGov survey[1]. Around 73% believe that by 2028, charging stations will be available every few kilometers. These findings show that consumers are ready for change and already have expectations for the infrastructure. They're looking for reliable options, and they're open to new brands that can deliver quality and long-term are playing an active role in speeding up this transition, in part to prepare for a post-oil future. Countries across the Gulf are investing in EV strategies as part of their broader economic diversification plans. Qatar's EV Strategy 2021 is already showing results. Over 70% of its public buses are now electric[2], and its policies promote local assembly, training, and infrastructure partnerships. Oman is also making progress, with initiatives like Net Zero 3 aimed at cutting emissions and reducing fuel use. The country plans to have at least 22,000 EVs on the road by 2040 and to phase out fossil fuel vehicles by 2050[3].From a bird's eye view, these policies reflect broader national and regional goals to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Meeting those goals requires partners who can contribute to more than just car sales, leading governments to look for companies that will help build service networks, support local jobs, and stay for the long call for growth in untapped markets is proving irresistible to international brands. One of them is VinFast, the best-selling car brand in Vietnam. It is stepping into this space with the right offer at the right time, bringing more than ambition. The company has already opened a dealership in downtown Dubai and launched a showroom in Muscat. Its models are smart, practical, and priced to attract high-paying Gulf's EV market is still developing, which gives early entrants like VinFast a real advantage. There's space to build customer trust, establish brand recognition, and help shape the expectations of a new generation of EV buyers. By coming in early and backing up its presence with reliable service and local engagement, VinFast can stand out in a space that is filling up VinFast, a global brand that has established a presence in more than a dozen countries, the Gulf nations and the broader Middle East region are not merely another stop on the map. They represent a strategic move that aligns with both what the company offers and what the region needs. Demand is rising. Policies are in place. And the door is wide #VinFast The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.


Motor Trend
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Congress Sends Bill Blocking California's EV Mandate to Trump, But Doesn't Stop There
California's ambitious ban on sales of new internal-combustion-engine (ICE) vehicles, set to phase in by 2035, is a target in the latest bills being sent from congress to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. This was probably easy to predict: Republicans in congress, in lockstep with the fossil fuel industry, have long chased California's EPA waiver to set its own fuel economy standards that are stricter than the federal government's own rules. California is not only the biggest car market in the country, but several other states adopt its stricter standards—making it a rich target for those who balk at any regulations that encourage EV adoption. 0:00 / 0:00 When originally introduced in 2020, the California ban was seen as aggressive and championed by environmentalists while, to critics, was touted as proof that federal EV mandates were coming and removing consumer vehicle choice (as stated by the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association , SEMA). But as reported in the Associated Press, the bill targeting California's EV mandate wasn't the only bill being sent to Trump that's related to California's efforts to curb pollution in the state. The second and third measures passed by Congress would block California from enforcing its own tailpipe emissions regulations—essentially, attacking its EPA waiver to set its own environmental standards—and rules on the emissions of nitrogen oxide pollution on commercial and heavy-duty trucks. Essentially, Congress is trying to curb the ability of a state to control its own pollution standards, something that has been legal to do with EPA waivers since 1967 with the Federal Air Quality Act in addition to the Clean Air Act of 1970. Part of these acts were State implementation plans (SIPs)—a federal enforcement model and the waivers you hear about—as a way for states to control pollution locally, as states would have a better understanding of their own air quality conditions. Ironically, California was sued in 1970 by the EPA, as it was unable to meet the EPAs standards of the time. The SIP rule allowed California to enact its own pollution rules through the California Air Resources Board (CARB)—a panel signed into existence with the 1967 Mulford-Carrell Act signed by Ronald Reagan, then governor of the state. Those standards are viewed by the Clean Air acts as the minimum and that no state could mandate anything less, but there is nothing against implementing tighter requirements. But, again, those regulations have reach beyond California: 16 states and the District of Columbia follow CARB rules on pollution and equally rely on the Clean Air Act and its SIP allowance. It's also an open secret of sorts, but since as much as 11 percent of all new cars are sold in the state, OEMs already build their pollution controls hardware around the CARB model. It's mostly as a matter of convenience to build only a single pollution control system for a vehicle. The only real differences are the emissions stickers put on California cars versus 'Federal' emissions ones and some additional engine software calibrations in some cases. While there are many who will cheer this break from 58 years of California's dominion over its air quality, these entities shouldn't break out the champagne just yet. California already has plans to sue if—or, more likely, when—these bills are signed by President Trump. This is also not the first time California's emissions regulations have been challenged; it happened as recently as 2020. With nearly six decades of law behind them, California has precedent on its side. But as we've seen with Trump's convulsive tariff game, that might not matter...