(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The demand for electric cars in the UAE has continued to pick up exponentially ever since Tesla entered the market, but more needs to be done to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of the drivers, experts said.
Speaking at Dubai International Motor Show 2017, Markus Dold, founder and CEO of eCharge.work, an electric vehicle infrastructure company in Europe, said that there is a gap as far as support infrastructure is concerned in the region.
"In addition to the Tesla vehicles, there are other highly successful electric cars that are in the market right now such as the Nissan Leaf," he told Khaleej Times.
"We have to support the people that are buying, and are interested in buying electric cars in the future, with the right infrastructure."
The firm, which first showcased its products and solutions at the recent Gitex Technology Week exhibition, has announced the launch of its operations in the UAE. The aim of the company right now, Dold says, is to provide the UAE with state-of-the-art car charging solutions to address electric vehicle needs, as well as fill a gap in the UAE infrastructure ahead of 2020, when electric cars are expected to be running on the streets in full force.
A successful transition into the use of electric vehicles requires progressive leadership and readiness to take on the upcoming technologies, something which the UAE has already proved its readiness for by its recent launch of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy and its artificial intelligence ministry, Dold noted.
In addition to standalone charging stations across the city, eCharge.work is aiming to build a nationwide network of charging stations in hotels and shopping malls across the UAE to help further boost e-mobility in the GCC.
"It is important to realise the significance of long-term charging while the car is at rest, because it adapts the charging energy flow to the car requires, and is much more cost-effective for individuals," Dold explained. "Despite the fact that fast charging is available, it is worthy to note that it should only be used for emergency cases only, as it could have negative effects on the car and the grid." He further noted that charging infrastructure lags behind in the hospitality sector. "Few of the hotels and shopping destinations in the UAE, are currently equipped with charging stations. And this is where eCharge.work comes in."
Dold envisions a future where drivers with electric cars can easily park their cars at charging stations across the country, without having to worry about moving them once they finish charging.
The stations could be linked to solar power technologies that will convert solar power to electricity for charging, thereby helping the UAE reduce community greenhouse gas emissions significantly. The surplus energy could be stored and then moved into the country's energy grid at night.
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Rohma Sadaqat I am a reporter and sub-editor on the Business desk at Khaleej Times. I mainly cover and write articles on the UAE's retail, hospitality, travel, and tourism sectors.Originally from Lahore, I have been living in the UAE for more than 20 years. I graduated with a BA in Mass Communication, with a concentration in Journalism, and a double minor in History and International Studies from the American University of Sharjah.If you see me out and about on assignment in Dubai, feel free to stop me, say hello, and we can chat about the latest kitten videos on YouTube.
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