A survey has revealed that a majority of 70 percent of the UAE residents are strongly considering an electric vehicle for future purchase.
This is mainly due to the potential cost savings, a growing number of EV charging stations, and awareness about EV infrastructure in the country.
The survey, commissioned by General Motors and conducted by Morning Consult, said that the awareness about EVs is also consistently higher among all age groups and across both men and women, translating into solid purchase considerations.
The survey found that seven out of 10-73 percent of the consumers in the UAE are eager to explore the cost savings brought by an EV.
The study found that the top drivers of the increased EV considerations were tackling the elevated cost of petrol, with 64 percent of those more likely to consider an EV than a year ago selecting each as a reason for increased interest.
Collecting 500 respondents online in the UAE from February to March, the survey explored consumer interest in EVs and awareness of long-term cost savings related to EV ownership, available EV options, and charging facilities.
So far, several electric vehicle brands have declared entry in the UAE, including Canada’s AXL, Sweden’s Polestar, and China’s BYD.
As the number of EVs increases in the country, A Futtaim Electric Mobility plans to set up 3,000 charging points by 2030.
The survey found that the general awareness of the concept of electric vehicles is very high, with 95 percent of UAE respondents aware of all-electric vehicles.
Jack Uppal, president and managing director of General Motors for Africa and the Middle East, said seeing the positive sentiment toward EVs in the UAE is promising.
He said, ” As we progress towards our vision of the future of mobility, the increase in volume and variety of EV options we are predicting to bring to market respond to the shift in consumer awareness and consideration brought on by the long-term benefits of ownership- from uncertainty affordability and range to positive sentiment towards the ownership potential of these new technologies.”
Moreover, the survey found that over one-third -38 % of the respondents in the UAE were aware of the location of at least one convenient charging station. Four out of five – 8 of those familiar with a convenient charging station said one was available where they park their car at home, with the highest reported availability in public or shared private parking.
The UAE is already home to 600 charging points, with a drastic growth plan to be achieved before 2050.
