EVLife.ae: Your Roadmap to a Greener Future in the UAE

The global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly gaining momentum, with EVs now accounting for over 5 percent of all car sales in 23 major countries, marking a pivotal step towards mainstream adoption. However, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lags behind with EV sales constituting just 1 percent of the automotive market, despite the government's ambitious target of transitioning 50 percent of all cars in the UAE to electric by 2050. To bridge this gap and lead the green mobility revolution, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company is spearheading the development of a comprehensive EV ecosystem and unveiling EVLife.ae, an independent platform aimed at providing reliable information and fostering awareness about electric mobility.

The UAE's Electric Vehicles Strategy is poised to drive the rapid growth of EVs on the nation's roads, with an ambitious goal of reaching 42,000 electric vehicles by 2030. According to the latest forecast by Gartner, Inc., nearly 15 million electric cars, comprising both battery electric and plug-in hybrid models, are expected to be shipped globally in 2023. Furthermore, electric car shipments are projected to surge by 19 percent in 2024, reaching a total of 17.9 million units.

Gartner's forecasts indicate that all EV shipments, encompassing cars, buses, vans, and heavy trucks, will reach 18.5 million units in 2024. Among these, electric cars are expected to dominate, representing 97 percent of total EV shipments in the coming year.

In the UAE, the receptiveness of drivers towards electric vehicles is evident, with the country ranking eighth in the Global Electric Mobility Readiness Index 2022, a notable achievement as the first GCC country in the top 10. Additionally, a recent report by Compare The Market positioned the UAE as the fourth most affordable country globally for charging electric vehicles, underscoring the nation's potential for a successful green mobility transition.

Against this backdrop, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company is pioneering the development of the EV ecosystem in the UAE. The company is not only introducing renowned all-electric brands like Polestar and BYD to the region but is also rolling out its proprietary charging platform, Charge2Moov. Recognising that public awareness is a pivotal factor in the adoption of EVs, the company is addressing the need to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles.

Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, stressed the importance of localised information on EVs, saying, "With the UAE on a major green mobility transition, we realised through multiple surveys and studies that there is a gap in the market for reliable, localised information on electric vehicles. This is one of the hurdles for faster adoption, and we decided to support the EVLife.ae initiative as it will help fill in the information gap and guide customers to make well-informed decisions about transitioning to EVs."

Recent data reveals that 2/3rd of Google searches related to electric mobility in the UAE are not brand-specific, indicating a widespread curiosity about various aspects of EVs, including pricing, range, safety, and charging infrastructure. In response, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company is supporting the launch of EVLife.ae, an editorial platform that encompasses a wide range of topics related to electric mobility.

EVLife.ae offers curated content on the latest global developments in e-mobility, the advantages of electric vehicles, guides for first-time EV buyers, reviews of the latest EV models, interviews with industry experts, and news on governmental policies affecting electric mobility. The platform is committed to providing unbiased news, updates, research, and information covering multiple brands, transcending any specific allegiance to Al-Futtaim Automotive brands.

Notably, Gartner analysts anticipate that by 2027, the average price of a battery electric vehicle (BEV) will achieve parity with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles of similar size and configuration, further accelerating global EV adoption. However, by 2030, challenges related to power generation and network capacity may pose constraints on mass EV deployment, regardless of pricing.

EVLife.ae promises to serve as an inclusive platform by publishing content in both English and Arabic, aiming to become a trusted source of knowledge for electric mobility enthusiasts, manufacturers, regulators, and automotive stakeholders alike. The platform celebrated its official launch on World EV Day, September 9th, joining the global celebration that unites companies, policymakers, and thought leaders in advancing the e-mobility movement.

EV Life, comprising a website and social media channels, is an independent platform published by the creative agency Arduina and produced by RESET Media Group, with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company serving as the launch partner for the platform.

Dominic Shales, Editor of EV Life and Founder of RESET Media Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the platform's launch, stating, "The UAE is electrifying. We see a tremendous interest from drivers in switching to electric cars, and our new platform helps people understand more about EVs, their advantages, and how to make the switch."

As a major stakeholder in the UAE's automotive industry, Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company is committed to shedding light on the industry's progress and providing credible, insightful information to steer the green transition in the UAE.