Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Trends in the UAE

This research article examines the trends, costs, and policy impacts of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It develops a mixed-method analytical framework that integrates longitudinal EV sales data, charger deployment statistics, and policy evaluations to assess the adequacy of charging infrastructure relative to the rapid growth of EV adoption. The study highlights that while EV sales have surged, infrastructure deployment has lagged, leading to declining charger-to-vehicle ratios. The findings suggest that a balanced integration of slow and fast charging technologies, supported by public-private partnerships and regulatory reforms, is essential for ensuring infrastructure adequacy and user confidence. The research contributes a transferable assessment framework for EV infrastructure planning, particularly in rapidly developing energy-transition economies. It also provides policy-relevant insights for sustainable transport electrification across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning in achieving long-term sustainability objectives.