Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
As the UAE's switch to electric vehicles gathers pace, innovative charging projects represent an important step towards enhancing the country's ability to meet the needs of this growing sector.
Among the innovative solutions that have emerged in this field, the BlockCharge framework, developed by a research team from Khalifa University, stands out, representing a major shift in the way charging services are provided for electric vehicles.
As mobile charging stations emerge as a promising alternative, they come with challenges such as supply-demand balancing, and ensuring fair pricing and quality services.
The BlockCharge framework is a pioneering solution that uses blockchain technology to provide a reliable and transparent environment for charging electric vehicles. This system combines mobile charging stations (MCS) with blockchain-based auctions to streamline EV charging.
A key aspect of this system is that it reduces the problem of price inflation, which is a common problem in areas where demand for charging exceeds supply.
When multiple MCS operators bid for charging requests in an open auction, it creates a competitive environment, keeping prices within reasonable levels.
Furthermore, the blockchain ledger records all bids, allocations and payments, allowing any participant to report if they have been treated fairly, according to the research.
The UAE government is also stepping up efforts to enhance the electric charging infrastructure.
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Etihad Water and Electricity Company announced the launch of UAEV, the first government-owned electric vehicle charging company in the UAE last year.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable transportation across the country by providing fast and accessible charging infrastructure.
As part of this ambitious project, the company pledges to provide ultra-fast chargers to significantly reduce charging times, ensuring greater convenience and efficiency for electric vehicle users.
In a major step towards expansion, UAEV has announced plans to install 100 electric chargers by the end of 2024, expanding to over 1,000 by 2030, in strategic locations across the country to ensure easy access for users.
Several Emirati companies have demonstrated strong commitment in this area.
ADNOC and TAQA have announced plans to install 70,000 electric vehicle charging points in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by 2030, a major step towards strengthening the infrastructure that supports the transition to electric vehicles across the country.
In addition, the UAE's e& telecoms and technology group launched the "Charge&Go" network, which aims to meet the expected increase in demand for electric vehicles, which are expected to increase by 30% annually from 2022 to 2028.
This network provides an integrated charging infrastructure that contributes to accelerating the pace of the transition to electric mobility.
