Here is our selection of the top hybrid electric SUVs that UAE residents can purchase, ranging from Polestar to Audi, as EV adoption is rapidly increasing in the country.

Even though EVs currently only account for slightly more than 1% of the UAE’s total auto market, demand for EVs is expected to increase at a 30% annual rate between 2022 and 2028, according to Arthur D.

Little’s most recent global electric mobility readiness index. Due to this demand, the UAE is ranked eighth in the world for preparedness for electric mobility, with a goal of having 50% EVs on the road by 2050. 

A network of car charging stations will be established throughout the emirates in an attempt to foster growth; in the upcoming years, authorities hope to increase the number by 170%. As the first-ever dealer in the UAE dedicated to e-mobility. This goal is being supported by Al Futtaim Electric Mobility, which intends to install close to 3,000 charging stations by 2030.

The EV dealership also offers a wide variety of high-end and low-cost EV brands, such as Swedish company Polestar and Chinese behemoth BYD.

And just this month, UAE electric vehicle manufacturer NWTN, which specializes in eco-friendly technology and mobility, unveiled Rabden, the country’s first EV brand.

Rabden is being produced in Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, The Dubai Taxi Corporation began testing new electric cars this year, with the goal of having all of its fleet entirely eco-friendly by 2027. This year also saw the introduction of Dubai’s first electric wooden abra, which is also capable of self-driving.

Will UAE citizens, however, make the switch to electricity? The majority of UAE citizens (70%) are seriously considering buying an electric vehicle (EV) in the future, with the main drivers being the increasing number of EV charging stations and potential cost savings.

This information comes from a recent survey conducted on behalf of General Motors. If so, these are our top five picks for electric SUVs that will be offered in the UAE in 2023 and 2024.  

Polestar 3

Along with Polestar 4, the 3 will arrive in the UAE in 2024 and pack a serious style and power punch. Sweden’s Polestar, an electric vehicle manufacturer supported by Volvo, has been in the news for the past year.

Its most recent model, the Polestar 3, has drawn a lot of attention, perhaps because it’s one of the most attractive electric SUVs available. With features like automatic lane keeping, blind spot detection, and a ton of monitoring components—including one of the first vehicles (the Volvo EX90) to offer an onboard passenger detection system to prevent any occupants from overheating if left in the car—Scandinavian minimalism meets sci-fi tech.

There are two versions of the Polestar 3, with the Performance Pack providing increased torque and power. Polestar pegs have a charging time of 30 minutes and a range of about 610 kilometers.

Made of a natural fiber composite derived from flax grown in Europe, the interiors feature two rows of seats, or five seats total, and are both spacious and environmentally friendly.

On the other hand, recycled PET bottles are used to make floor mats.

In order to verify that the parts that go into the car’s battery originate from areas free of conflict, Polestar is employing block chain technology to track their origins. To expedite your search for a Polestar, consider the Polestar 2, which is presently offered in the United Arab Emirates.

Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The Mercedes-EQ EQS SUV, which made its regional debut at Mobility Live 2023 in May, raises the standard for an electric SUV with cutting-edge features, classic elegance, lots of space, and impressive power—it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.3 seconds. So it makes sense that the Dubai Police recently added this brand-new, high-end EV to their collection.

The energy-dense battery has a maximum charging capacity of 200kW in just 15 minutes and a maximum range of 717 km when fully charged. Modern AI systems and interactive screens are integrated, giving the driver access to all necessary data.

Three rows of seats provide room for up to seven passengers, and the booat can accommodate up to four golf bags. The MBUX Hyper screen on the SUV uses AI to automatically plan routes, including stops for charging, to provide a 100% personalized and intuitive user experience.

Audi Q8 e-tron SUV

The Q8 e-tron is the most recent model in Aud’s electric lineup, having made its premiere at Al Nabooda Automobiles in March. This opulent SUV, which starts at AED 419,900, boasts an amazing range of up to 582 kilometers, or 600 kilometers in the high-performance Sportback variant.

With its cutting-edge battery capacity and built-for-adventure design, it can charge from 10 to 80% in just 31 minutes.

To make charging with just a wall socket easier, it also has an onboard 22kW AC charger.

It takes only 5.6 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h. Ultimate comfort is guaranteed by the SUV’s four-zone automated climate control system, which also offers massage seats and ambient lighting as optional extras.

Among the amenities are a four-zone automated climate control system with pre-conditioning and two sizable touchscreen displays for in-cabin controls.

Volvo EX90

Early in 2024, the UAE is expected to welcome Volvo’s flagship electric SUV, the EX90 electric SUV, which is scheduled to launch the following year.

The EX90, a seven-seater all-electric family SUV, is billed as the most sophisticated and safest Volvo vehicle ever made. It can travel up to 600 km on a single charge and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.

The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.

The Volvo Cars smartphone app, which combines a wide range of features and services to make your life easier and more enjoyable, is compatible with the SUV.

You can use it to unlock your car with key less access or search for a public charging station. With eight cameras, five radars, sixteen ultrasonic sensors, and a capacitive steering wheel, the SUV can see its surroundings in 360 degrees and detect small objects up to hundreds of meters ahead, alerting the driver.

BYD Atto 3 C-SUV

With a starting price of AED 149,000, the Atto 3 is regarded as the most reasonably priced electric SUV available in the UAE. It is produced by Chinese automaker BYD. The Atto 3 is a stylish and functional vehicle with a futuristic-looking interior and a sporty exterior.

The Atto 3 boasts one of the safest batteries in the world and can run for 48 kilometers. It can be fast-charged from 30% to 80% in just 29 minutes with the optional 11kW wall box, making at-home charging simple and convenient.

The all-new BYD e-platform 3.0, created specifically for pure EVs, comes installed in the Atto 3 and features intelligent voice control that helps keep drivers safe.

Blind spot detection, advanced driving assistance, and automated lane keeping assistance are among the features. Peak velocity is 160 km/h, with a 7.3-second acceleration from zero to hundred km/h. Al Futtaim Electric Mobility anticipates having five BYD models available in the UAE by the end of 2023.

Is it Worth Buying an Electric Car in Dubai?

In 2022, electric cars were all the rage. It appears that in 2023 the trend will continue. However, it’s still difficult to purchase an electric car in the UAE normally. Electric automobiles are the way of the future, whether you agree with that or not.

Environmentally conscious people will understand why choosing electric vehicles is the best option. A survey predicts that by 2050, the number of electric vehicle sales will far exceed the number of traditional vehicle sales.

Sometimes buying an electric car could be a wise investment rather than a risk. It’s not always necessary to spend extra money on fuel to keep your car running. 

The number of electric cars on the road is growing as consumers become more aware of their many advantages, including greater fuel economy and lower operating costs. Is it worthwhile to purchase an electric vehicle in Dubai?

It really depends on what you need, in my opinion. I had provided you with a list of the main factors to take into account when selecting a car.

Go ahead and take it, without a doubt, if you enjoy the environment. As for my personal favorite, I’d have to say electric cars since they meet a lot of our needs for relatively little money and upkeep.

The electric vehicle market in the UAE will soon be hassle-free, widely available, and affordably priced.