With Emirate temperatures in the late 40’s from May to November, you won’t be driving with the wind in your hair this summer, but you can still keep your cool by burning some shoe rubber and shopping around before you buy a car or generally get your car ready for summer through this steps’ infographic
But with the internal combustion engine one of the most damaging inventions ever for the environment, it’s time to get plugged in to the new….
The demand for electric green cars is yet to really spark up in the UAE but they can be spotted around Dubai – and the government are offering incentives in the form of subsidised charging (at only 29 Fils per kW/h) and by building 100 charging stations in the city (16 are already here).
With 3 different types, even the fastest charger can take up 45 minutes to load a car, leaving the driver time to get a bit Zen whilst waiting, or to charge at home, usually overnight.
Other incentives include (green painted) parking spaces in petrol stations, malls, airports and residential areas; all part of the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021.
The electric cars to look out for on UAE roads are –
The Renault Twizy, as zippy and unusual as its name, the ultra-compact car with a wacky design that belies great strength and turning, takes 3½ hours to charge at home and retails at only AED 77,900.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid Sedan which has previously been sold as a taxi, is traditional looking with lots of space and a good price tag; AED 94,000.
The Fisker Karma was the first e-car to plug in to the Middle East and is expected to sell around a 100 cars a year. Designed by a Dane, it’s built in Finland and sold by Americans. A sporty 4-door whose solar roof powers the auto air-co., it’s got a super slick design that houses top-of-the-range everything. It’s been compared to the Merc-Benz S-Class and Porche Panamera and has a price to match; expect to pay AED 500,000 or more to have your friends hate you.
The Tesla Model S is probably the hot favourite with Dubai drivers. Impressive credentials include winning the 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year award with the highest ever rating (99 out of 100) and 5 out of 5 in every category in U.S. Gov. crash tests. Its 3 battery options allow speeds of 120 mph, 125 mph and 130 mph. If it sounds like your speed, it’s AED 295,000.
And don’t worry about the availability of green car insurance in UAE; most companies in the UAE will cover your new toy at the same rate as gas guzzlers – and rates might become more competitive in the future. No oil or gas means green cars don’t put you in the red – and e-drivers are perceived as more careful.
It’s time to get switched-on to a carbon friendly car.