The UAE has taken a major step forwards in its bid to make switching to electric vehicles a viable choice for drivers after its Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI), Audi Middle East, and Siemens signed an agreement to “cooperate on boosting electric vehicle charging capacity on federal roads and increasing adoption of EVs across the country”.
The deal follows the MoEI’s selection of Siemens technology for a nationwide network of ultra-fast chargers in June.
The discussions with Audi are expected to expand on this initiative as part of the brand’s ambitious infrastructure investment plans across the UAE, said the ministry.
“The UAE is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and is on track to being the leader in the Middle East and North Africa in reaching this target,” said Sharif Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Industry. “Electric vehicles are integral to this effort, and providing fast, efficient and convenient EV charging infrastructure with partners like Siemens and Audi is a crucial step in the energy transition.”
Since 2020, Audi has been the largest manufacturer of electric vehicles among Germany’s three premium brands.
More than 20 all-electric Audi models will be introduced by 2026 and the brand says it is investing in several initiatives focusing on the development of a high-performance charging infrastructure in order to contribute to EV readiness in the region.
“Audi Middle East is delighted to begin this partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and Siemens, which further underlines our commitment to electrification in the UAE as we continue to redefine the mobility of the future,” said Carsten Bender, Managing Director of Audi Middle East.
“We have been very vocal about our commitment to electrification in the region and look forward through this collaboration to developing solutions that will support EV customers in the UAE based around the latest technologies and charging solutions such as the Audi Charge Hub concept.”
“To not only be aligned with the UAE’s “Net Zero 2050” initiative, but now be an active participant in it, is an honour and a privilege we are very proud of.”
On June 8, 2022, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said it would deploy ten Siemens Sicharge D 160 kW ultra-fast chargers on the highways in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. All are cloud-connected devices which allow operators to monitor and manage the chargers remotely.
“We look forward to working with the Ministry and Audi on this important project that demonstrates our commitment to supporting sustainability programmes in the United Arab Emirates,” said Helmut von Struve, CEO, Siemens in the Middle East.
“Siemens is proud to be a part of the country’s embrace of an electrical mobility ecosystem, and to contribute to the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”
