Abu Dhabi introduces unified tariff for electric vehicle charging across emirate

According to a new directive issued by officials in Abu Dhabi, all private residences and commercial buildings that offer electric vehicle (EV) charging points, must install sub-meters on the EV charging units.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE) has approved the new governance framework for charging EVs in the emirate.

The framework defines a unified tariff for all registered units with consumption monitored by Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC). Currently there are 200 charging units available to the public across the emirate.

From August 26, 2021, a monthly tariff of Dhs92 will be added to monthly ADDC/AADC bills until a sub-meter is installed for the EV charging units.

The DoE has given owners of private charging units a grace period until December 31, 2021, to have a sub-meter installed.

ADDC and AADC will install the sub-meter for all registered units for free until year-end. Thereafter, violators will be fined.

Once the charging unit is registered and a sub-meter is installed, a unified tariff of 30 fils per kilowatt hour will be implemented. Registrations have already opened for EV charging unit owners who want to have their sub-meter installed immediately.

Electricity consumption will be monitored from the tariff implementation date, and owners of public and private charging units must register with ADDC or AADC by filling out the registration form available on their websites.

“With transport being one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, EVs offer significant potential for reducing CO2 emissions, improving air quality, and also creating new industries. The governance of EV charging through the introduction of a new unified tariff is a strategic step that will complement our existing regulations for EV charging stations and will create momentum for private investors to grow the network of electric charging units in the emirate, while also motivating more people to consider electric vehicles,” said DoE chairman, Awaidha Al Marar.

Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, in cooperation with the concerned parties, has issued a new governance framework for electric vehicle (EV) charging in the emirate, to enhance integration of the electricity and transport networks and to support growth of EV usage #inAbuDhabi. pic.twitter.com/ZxupL14dAE

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 16, 2021

In the neighboring emirate of Dubai, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority said in May that it had installed almost 300 charging stations across Dubai, including some in Hatta. EV customers registered under its newly launched EV Green Charger initiative can charge their vehicles by scanning a QR code at DEWA’s charging station. DEWA added that it will provide non-commercial EV customers registered in the initiative with free charging until the December 31, 2021.

Read: DEWA to provide free charging to non-commercial electric vehicles in Dubai under new initiative