The UAE’s emirate of Ras Al Khaimah will install 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by the end of March, a senior official at the main utility overseeing the project has revealed.
These are part of the 50 such stations planned for 2019 in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman, according to Mohammed Saleh, director-general of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa).
“The first of the 20 stations are to be opened at the Adnoc filling station in Al Jazirat Al Hamra on Tuesday (January 22),” he said. “The service shall remain for free till the end of 2020.”
The stations are meant to meet the rapid urban and economic expansion in the emirate, he added. “More stations are to be developed in view of the growing number of customers.”
Up to 15 electric vehicles will go on a trip for eight days without a stop starting from Abu Dhabi city to Sahar and Muscat in Oman, and ending in Ras Al Khaimah, he disclosed, reported Khaleej Times.
“The eight-day campaign is part of Fewa’s strategy to support and raise awareness of electric vehicles.”
“The new charging stations are to be built in collaboration with the local government entities,” Saleh pointed out.
Twelve of the planned “green” stations are to be specified for express charging, while the remaining 38 stations are for medium-speed charging, he revealed.
“Up to 80 per cent of the batteries of electric vehicles can be charged at express stations within 20 to 45 minutes,” he said. “It depends on the type and capacity of the battery.
The express charging stations will be set up at petrol stations on highways of the emirate, Saleh underlined. “Vehicles can be charged at medium-speed charging stations within 2-4 hours, according to the type and size of the battery.”
