Page 20 - SALIK PR REPORT OCTOBER 2023

Yet, hitting such a target isn't just about accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. It
means choreographing moves that gracefully guide existing internal combustion engine
(ICE) vehicles toward a more sustainable alternative.
Jaideep Kapani, a consultant specializing in EV and ESG partnerships, breaks it down,
saying, "Getting upgraded cars on ICE is simpler, thanks to the existing refueling
infrastructure. Transitioning to EVs is a game changer. It's about 'Energy' Infrastructure,
government policies paving the way, financing for vehicle purchases, and the economic
upsides of making the switch."

Kapani talks about various sectors - Electric vehicles, micro-mobility, last-mile delivery,
and more. However, the biggest roadblock in the EV journey today is the price tag.
Globally, EVs come with a heftier price, but Kapani points out that as with any new
technology, development and scale will eventually ease the burden.

"More EVs are rolling into the market. Yet, the current average price is over 200,000 AED,
which is substantial. Then there's the issue of charging infrastructure. Still, efforts are in
full swing to set up charging stations and develop the infrastructure," elaborates Adam
Ridgway, founder of the EV startup One-Moto, a cutting-edge Dubai-based electric
mobility start-up focused on developing and manufacturing electric vehicles, charging
infrastructure, and sustainable transportation solutions for the last mile industry.

Ridgway adds that what's needed is more automakers and major players jumping into the
arena, manufacturing more EVs. The more brands offering EVs, the more the
infrastructure and support network will naturally follow suit.
He notes that presently, Tesla claims around 52% of Dubai's EV market share, with
Porsche and MG owning 19% and 10%, respectively. The remaining slice belongs to
other contenders. The region is on a supply-driven trajectory.
Kapani chimes in, highlighting that in Dubai, the four-wheeler market rules the road due
to factors like speed, safety, distance, and the sizzling heat. Adapting ICE bikes to EVs
here is about 50-60% pricier. The quest is on for a product that can carry a load, cover
long distances on a single charge, and endure Dubai's harsh conditions.
Dubai's government has already made a gearshift by transitioning its taxi fleet to hybrids.
The ambitious plan is to ultimately go electric, and fast charging is the pit stop on this
journey. The roadmap begins with hybrids and accelerates to full electric.
"The real game-changer will be the availability of more EV brands in the market," Ridgway
adds. Embracing EVs isn't just about individuals; it's an all-encompassing transformation
requiring infrastructure, policy changes, and everyone's participation.

"For fleet operators, capital costs outweigh those of ICE vehicles. Savings on fuel are
outweighed by planning charging and swapping logistics. For 4-wheeler owners who
travel long distances, the current range barely gets them through the day. Government
backing in infrastructure building will expedite EV adoption across 2-wheelers, 3-
wheelers, 4-wheelers, and even buses," Kapani emphasises.

https://udaipurtimes.com/business-udaipur/over-40000-electric-cars-in-dubai-2030/cid12606825.htm