The World has begun a major transition in the way road vehicles are powered. Globally, cities are seeking to simultaneously reduce their dependency on fossil fuels, improve air quality and reduce their carbon footprint . Governments are setting stringent emission limits and looking to achieve net zero carbon in road transport, driving great interest and investment in Electric Vehicles (EVs), alternative fuels and other automotive energy reduction measures. With global EV stock forecast to exceed 140 million within a decade, in prospect is sustainable mobility without many of the externalities and drawbacks of the Internal Combustion Engine.

Until recently, limited consumer choice, poor range and performance, high purchase costs and a lack of charging infrastructure made EVs uncompetitive for significant early market adoption and commercial mainstreaming. Compared to conventional ICE vehicles, EVs still account for only around 1 - 2% of sales in most countries, although with higher proportions being seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. With manufacturers now investing heavily in research and new product development, and bringing attractive commercial applications to market, Governments providing incentives, and public awareness of environmental issues growing, this share looks likely to increase substantially in coming years. For many, the mass adoption of EVs is now considered inevitable and is a question of “when” rather than “if.”

In the UAE, the Supreme Council of Energy has launched the Dubai Green Mobility Initiative. Since 2015, a number of Government agencies have been collaborating with each other and with the private sector on targets and activities to promote the take up of electric and hybrid vehicles towards 2030. Initiatives include purchasing policies for public sector fleets, new vehicle standards and regulations, provision of public charging infrastructure, building codes and user incentives such as exemption from parking charges. However, whilst some progress has been made, more remains to be done to achieve a step-change in EV purchase and use, whilst wider sustainable energy generation and supply issues are only beginning to be considered.

This seminar will focus on prospects, challenges and opportunities for EVs, globally and locally in Dubai and the UAE. The benefits and practicalities of EVs and associated infrastructure will be discussed, as well as factors affecting EV take-up and how electrification supports other agendas such as Smart Dubai, Happiness and Wellbeing.

About the Speakers

The Seminar will consist of a panel of speakers and presentations, followed by questions and a discussion:

• Ahmed Samir Elbermbali – Managing Director, MENA Clean Energy Business Council

• Gary West – Managing Director of Future Mobility, General Motors Middle East

• Dominic Taylor - Low Emission Mobility Lead, Arup