Yas Island has become the home of Abu Dhabi’s largest cluster of electric vehicle charging points as the country takes further steps towards becoming a green nation.
Rising demand has seen electric vehicle (EV) developer Tesla install six new charging stations at the island’s theme parks, following 10 other recent installations at Yas Mall. Additionally, Adnoc has completed its solar-powered electric charger at its Yas service station.
Four other charging points have been installed by BMW and Mercedes, bringing the total number on the island to 22. It makes a trip in an EV from the capital to Dubai even more plausible with powering points en-route.
The charging points are split over five key locations to help early adopters of EVs to power up practically anywhere on the island.
The idea behind EV charging stations relies on a different model than that of petrol stations. Since the charging time can be about 30 minutes, compared to three minutes to fuel at an Adnoc, points are better located at areas where a customer will already spend a lengthy amount of time.
“We want to ensure that all our visitors, joining us from near and far, feel a genuine sense of encouragement to come and enjoy the wide range of activities, events and attractions on offer,” said Gerardo Llanes, executive director at Yas Island Destination Management.
“By consistently expanding our ease of accessibility and transportation options, we aim to create a smooth, memorable and facilitated experience, 365 days of the year.”
Yas Island’s two theme parks - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld - have three charging points each, located outside their main entrances, and they work for both UAE and EU Tesla vehicles.
These new chargers follow Yas Mall’s 10 Tesla electric chargers - seven of which are compatible with all types of EVs. The mall also has two Mercedes B Class Electric Drive chargers and two BMW I Wallbox Pro chargers, and there is also a Tesla charger at Yas Viceroy Hotel.
The additions come as Tesla’s new Model S and X vehicles began arriving in the UAE this month, and demand for EVs is expected to grow ahead of the arrival of the Model 3, Tesla’s most affordable option, slated for the end of the month.
