Abu Dhabi EV Charging Infrastructure Expands with 1,000 New Stations Across 400 Locations
Abu Dhabi is making a decisive leap toward sustainable mobility with a sweeping expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging network. The emirate has unveiled plans to install 1,000 new public EV charging stations across 400 locations, reinforcing its commitment to clean transport and climate goals. This bold move is part of a broader strategy to future-proof the city’s transport system and support the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 target.
1,000 New Charging Stations to Power Abu Dhabi’s EV Future
The new stations will be rolled out under the Charge AD brand, led by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), a division of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. These installations will be delivered through public-private partnerships, ensuring streamlined deployment, operation, and maintenance.
The locations have been strategically selected to maximize accessibility, spanning residential neighborhoods, commercial hubs, and transit corridors. This expansion is designed to eliminate range anxiety and make EV ownership more practical for everyday users.
Affordable Charging: AED 0.70 for AC, AED 1.20 for Fast DC
To encourage adoption, Abu Dhabi has introduced a unified and transparent pricing model:
- AED 0.70 per kWh for standard AC chargers
- AED 1.20 per kWh for fast DC chargers
This pricing structure is aimed at building consumer confidence and making EV charging cost-effective compared to traditional fuel. The consistent tariff across all Charge AD stations simplifies the user experience and supports long-term behavioral shifts toward electric mobility.
EV Registrations Surge 60% in Q1 2025
The timing of this infrastructure boost couldn’t be better. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, Abu Dhabi registered over 15,000 new electric vehicles, marking a 60% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge reflects growing consumer interest, improved vehicle availability, and increasing awareness of environmental impact.
The emirate has set an ambitious target: 50% of all vehicles on the road to be electric by 2040. The current momentum suggests that this goal is well within reach—provided the infrastructure keeps pace.
Charging Access Expands to Hotels, Malls, and More
Beyond public streets, Abu Dhabi is working closely with private sector partners to bring EV chargers to high-traffic destinations such as:
- Hotels
- Shopping malls
- Office complexes
- Entertainment venues
This integrated approach ensures that drivers can conveniently top up their vehicles while going about their daily routines, further embedding EV use into the urban lifestyle.
New Regulations Ensure Safe, Standardized Infrastructure
To support this rapid rollout, the Department of Energy has updated its regulatory framework for EV charging. The new guidelines ensure that all stations meet strict technical and safety standards, while also streamlining the approval process for new installations.
This regulatory clarity is expected to attract more investment into the Abu Dhabi EV Charging Infrastructure ecosystem, fostering innovation and competition.
ADNOC and Others Join the Race to Electrify
The local EV charging market is heating up. ADNOC Distribution, for instance, is expanding its own fast-charging network, aiming to grow from 840 to 1,000 stations over the next five years. This competitive landscape signals a broader transformation in how mobility is powered across the UAE.
With 1,000 new Charge AD stations on the horizon, Abu Dhabi is not just keeping up. It’s setting the pace for the region’s electric future.
Also Read: Abu Dhabi GDP Diversification Hits 54.7% with $326.7B Milestone
