The number of charging stations in the UAE increased by 60% in the last three years. However, the surge in charging stations has also led to inconsistent and confusing pricing. To address this issue, the UAE government introduced new standardized rates in 2024.
So, how much does it cost to charge an electric car in the UAE after the adoption of these new rates? Let’s cover the updated cost of charging at different types of charging stations in 2024.
In this blog post, we’ll also break down the factors affecting EV charging costs and provide simple examples to help you estimate your EV charging costs.
UAE Announces Standardized Rates for EV Charging in 2024
To streamline the EV charging experience, UAE cabinet resolution No. 81 introduced standardized rates that will take effect on September 6, 2024.
So, what will be the new EV charging rates in the UAE?
- Express Charging: AED 1.20 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) plus VAT.
- Slow Charging: AED 0.70 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) plus VAT.
What do these new charging rates mean for you?
- Predictable Costs: No more guessing or haggling overcharging fees. You’ll know exactly what to expect.
- Fair Play: Everyone will pay the same rate, ensuring a level playing field for all EV owners.
- Increased Accessibility: Standardized rates will encourage more investment in charging infrastructure, making it easier to find a station when you need it.
While you might see a slight increase in charging costs, the benefits outweigh the minor expense. With standard rates, you can enjoy a more consistent and hassle-free EV charging experience.
New Cost of Charging an Electric Car at Different Types of Charging Stations
The major factors that affect the cost of charging an EV are the type of charging station, the per kWh electricity rates, the battery size of your EV, and the efficiency of the charging infrastructure. Once you have pegged the variables, you can calculate the cost of charging any EV.
Let’s calculate the cost of charging an EV at various types of charging stations in the UAE:
| Type of Charging Station | Cost of charging an EV with a 60 kWh battery |
| Level-I: Home Charging Stations | 17.22 AED |
| Level-II: Slow Commercial Charging Stations | 39.20 AED |
| Level-III: Fast DC Charging Stations | 63.66 AED |
1. Level-I: Home Charging Stations (Cost of charging an electric car at home in the UAE)
Charging your electric vehicle at home is often the most convenient and cost-effective option. Many homeowners in the UAE are installing Level-I home charging stations, which typically use a standard household outlet.
Cost per kWh: The average electricity cost per kWh in the UAE from 0.305 AED. It varies from 23 fils to 38 fils per kWh, depending on your utility provider and the specific tariff plan.
Rated Power: The home charging stations have outputs ranging from 3.6 kW to 7 kW. Faster home charging solutions are also available, but they require specialized electrical infrastructure at your home, and they are very expensive.
Maximum Voltage: 208-220V
Efficiency: 85%
Time Required: 20-40 hours
Practical Example:
Let’s say you have an EV with a battery capacity of 60 kWh. If you charge your vehicle from 20% to 100%, you will need to add 48 kWh (80% of 60 kWh) of electrical power, ideally. However, with 85% efficiency, you will need to add 56.47 kWh (15% more) to overcome the losses.
Cost Calculation:
- Energy needed: 56.47 kWh
- Cost per kWh (Average): 0.305 AED
Total Cost = 56.47 kWh x 0.305 AED = 17.22 AED
By adding your own EV battery size and local electricity rates, you can calculate the cost of charging an EV at any home charging station.
2. Level-II: Slow Commercial Charging Stations (Cost of charging an electric car at a slow commercial charging station in the UAE)
Level-II charging stations are commonly found in public spaces such as shopping malls, workplaces, and parking lots. With approximately 550 slow chargers available across the UAE, there are ample options for those seeking commercial charging convenience.
Cost per kWh: The new cost per kWh at slow commercial chargers in the UAE is 0.7 AED (plus VAT). With a standard 5% VAT, it’ll come to about 0.735 AED.
Rated Power: The slow commercial chargers have outputs ranging from 11 kW to 22 kW.
Maximum Voltage: 220-240V
Efficiency: 90%
Time Required: 3-8 hours
Practical Example:
Let’s say you have the same EV with a battery capacity of 60 kWh. If you charge your vehicle from 20% to 100%, you will need to add 48 kWh (80% of 60 kWh) of electrical power, ideally. But with 90% efficiency, you will need to add 53.33 kWh (10% more) to overcome the losses.
Cost Calculation:
- Energy needed: 53.33 kWh
- Cost per kWh (Average): 0.735 AED
Total Cost = 53.33 kWh x 0.735 AED = 39.20 AED
By adding your own EV battery size and local electricity rates, you can calculate the cost of charging an EV at any slow commercial charger across the UAE.
3. Level-III: Fast DC Charging Stations (Cost of charging an electric car at a fast DC charger in the UAE)
Currently, there are approximately 390 fast charging stations available across the country, with a significant concentration in Dubai. The DEWA, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, aims to have 1,000 charging stations in place by the end of 2025
Cost per kWh: The new cost per kWh at DC fast chargers in the UAE is 1.2 AED (plus VAT). With a standard 5% VAT, it’ll come to about 1.26 AED.
Rated Power: The fast DC chargers have outputs ranging from 50 kW to 150 kW.
Maximum Voltage: 480-900V
Efficiency: 95%
Time Required: 20-50 minutes
Practical Example:
Let’s say you have the same EV with a battery capacity of 60 kWh. If you charge your vehicle from 20% to 100%, you will need to add 48 kWh (80% of 60 kWh) of electrical power, ideally. But with 95% efficiency, you will need to add 50.52 kWh (5% more) to overcome the losses.
Cost Calculation:
- Energy needed: 50.52 kWh
- Cost per kWh (Average): 1.26 AED
Total Cost = 50.52 kWh x 01.26 AED = 63.66 AED
By adding your own EV battery size and local electricity rates, you can calculate the cost of charging an EV at any DC fast charger in the UAE.
Final Word: How Much Does it Cost to Charge an Electric Car in the UAE?
While the cost of charging an electric car in the UAE will vary depending on the type of charging station, battery size, and electricity rates, home charging remains the most cost-effective option, especially when utilizing off-peak rates. However, for those seeking faster charging times or convenience, commercial and DC fast chargers are a better option.
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