How Much Does EV Charging Cost per km in the UAE?

How Much Does EV Charging Cost per km in the UAE?

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE raises one of the most common questions: how much does it actually cost to charge an EV per kilometer compared to petrol cars? The good news is that driving an EV is not only cleaner for the environment but also far cheaper when you calculate the cost per km.

Electricity Tariffs in Dubai

The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has made it easier for EV owners to access public charging through the EV Green Charger network.

• Standard tariff: AED 0.38 per kWh (for registered EV owners).
• Fast chargers: Same tariff, but charging is quicker (more kW per hour).
• Home charging: Typically the same DEWA residential rate applies.

This makes Dubai one of the most cost-effective cities in the region to own and run an EV.

Calculating Cost per Kilometer

Let’s take a simple example using common EV models:

1. Tesla Model 3 (60 kWh battery, ~450 km range)
   • Full charge cost: 60 kWh × AED 0.38 = AED 22.8
   • Cost per km: AED 22.8 ÷ 450 km = 0.05 AED/km

1. BYD Atto 3 (60 kWh battery, ~420 km range)

1. • Full charge cost: 60 kWh × AED 0.38 = AED 22.8
   • Cost per km: AED 22.8 ÷ 420 km = 0.054 AED/km

1. Petrol Car Comparison (average sedan, 12 km/litre, petrol price ~AED 3/litre)

1. • Cost per km: 3 ÷ 12 = 0.25 AED/km

???? In simple terms, an EV costs about 5 fils per km, while a petrol car costs around 25 fils per km. That means EVs are 5 times cheaper to drive in Dubai.

Factors That Can Change EV Costs

• Driving style: Aggressive acceleration consumes more energy.
• Use of AC: In Dubai summers, heavy AC use slightly reduces range.
• Charging location: Home charging is generally the cheapest and most convenient.
• Fast charging stations: Cost the same per kWh but may add idle fees if you don’t move your car after charging.

Long-Term Savings

If you drive 20,000 km per year:

• EV cost: ~AED 1,000
• Petrol car cost: ~AED 5,000
• Annual savings: ~AED 4,000 (excluding oil changes and maintenance, which are also cheaper for EVs).

Final Thoughts

EV charging in the UAE is highly affordable, costing as little as 5 fils per km. With the UAE government expanding charging infrastructure and supporting Net Zero 2050, running an electric car in Dubai is not only economical but also future-proof.

For the latest updates on used cars in Dubai, electric cars, and cost-saving tips, visit Auto Trader UAE.