Deciphering the Costs of Charging Your Electric Vehicle (EV) in Dubai

Electric vehicles (EVs) have sparked immense interest in fostering a more sustainable environment. The expansion of charging infrastructure and the availability of reasonably priced electric cars are fueling this momentum. But what's the actual cost of charging an EV?

Understanding the monthly charging expenses is crucial for managing your budget, and we've dissected the numbers to provide a clearer picture.

An electric vehicle, as the name suggests, runs on electricity instead of traditional fossil fuels. The advantages of driving an electric car are manifold.

The cost to charge your electric car varies due to several factors—your location, ownership of a charging station, and your car's mileage per charge, be it in city driving conditions or on highways.

While numerous variables influence the final cost, we can offer an estimated figure and insights into ways to minimize your charging expenses when you search for a “charging station near me.” Let's delve into the specifics.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

Divide your electric bill by the total number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) that you have used, and then multiply the number of kWh that your vehicle consumes by the average cost of electricity per hour. This calculator will help you determine the cost of this.

A mathematical breakdown can be used as another method:

To calculate the daily cost of electricity, multiply the energy consumption (E) in kWh per day by the energy cost per kWh in your currency. This will give you the daily cost of electricity.

·       Cost(Currency/Day) = E(kWh/Day) × Cost(Currency/kWh)

Location Matters

Due to the lower residential electricity prices, charging an electric vehicle at home often results in cheaper expenditures than charging it at work. Furthermore, when charging your device at home, you should consider the cost of acquiring and installing a specialized charging unit, which many people prefer due to its ability to provide quicker and safer charging.

Mileage Per Charge

The electricity consumption per kilometer depends on your EV type. Charging with Level 1 or Level 2 stations takes around 8 hours to reach 80%, costing roughly 0.38 AED per kWh. Public charging stations often levy a fixed fee per kWh, determined by utility providers like DEWA or FEWA. Charges vary—AC chargers can hover around 6.7 AED/hr, while DC Fast chargers may cost around 46 AED/hr for a 150kW unit.

Access to Electricity

Regions with varying climates, like those experiencing warm summers and cold winters, are witnessing increased accessibility to cheaper renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power, impacting the availability of electricity for EV charging.

Charging at Work or Home

Home charging allows for different station options based on your home's wiring and capacity. Workplaces may offer shared charging stations.

The Bottom Line

The expense of charging your EV is multifaceted. At home or work, expect around 0.38 AED per kWh. The network provider regulates a fixed kWh fee for public stations.

Premium properties may incur higher charging costs due to parking premiums. Presently, utility providers set tariffs, but future policy changes remain uncertain.