RAK to have 20 e-vehicle charging stations by March end

Ras Al Khaimah  - Electric vehicles can run for a distance of 120 to 500km, depending on the battery.

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah will have 20 electric vehicle charging stations by the end of March, this year.
These are part of the 50 such stations planned for 2019 in Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ajman, according to Mohammed Saleh, director-general of the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (Fewa).
"The first of the 20 stations are to be opened at the Adnoc filling station in Al Jazirat Al Hamra on Tuesday (January 22)," he said. "The service shall remain for free till the end of 2020."
The stations are meant to meet the rapid urban and economic expansion in the emirate, he added. "More stations are to be developed in view of the growing number of customers."
Up to 15 electric vehicles will go on a trip for eight days without a stop starting from Abu Dhabi city to Sahar and Muscat in Oman, and ending in Ras Al Khaimah, he disclosed.
"The eight-day campaign is part of Fewa's strategy to support and raise awareness of electric vehicles."
"The new charging stations are to be built in collaboration with the local government entities," Saleh pointed out.
Twelve of the planned "green" stations are to be specified for express charging, while the remaining 38 stations are for medium-speed charging, he revealed.
"Up to 80 per cent of the batteries of electric vehicles can be charged at express stations within 20 to 45 minutes," he said. "It depends on the type and capacity of the battery. 
The express charging stations will be set up at petrol stations on highways of the emirate, Saleh underlined. "Vehicles can be charged at medium-speed charging stations within 2-4 hours, according to the type and size of the battery."
Saleh said electric vehicles can run for a distance of 120 to 500km, depending on the battery.
"Medium speed charging stations will be established at Fewa offices, government departments, universities, hospitals, hotels, tourist sites, public parks, ports, and airports."
The RAK Police had earlier exempted the owners of electric vehicles from the registration fees (either for the first time or during renewal).
The decision has been put into force since October 1, 2018 and is to end on December 31, 2021.
The move, in line with the 2040 green energy strategy of Ras Al Khaimah - aimed to save power, adopt and promote renewable energy - will help reduce carbo emissions, and cut power consumption by 30 per cent in 2040."
Electric vehicle chargers are already installed in the RAK courts to encourage members of the society to use environment-friendly vehicles.  
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

• Ras Al Khaimah