Etihad Water and Electricity partners with HCT to install EV chargers on campuses

Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has entered into a collaboration agreement with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) to install and operate electric vehicle chargers across HCT campuses. This partnership supports the UAE’s environmental sustainability goals.

This initiative is part of the launch of UAEV, a joint venture between EtihadWE and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, which aims to deploy at least 100 fast chargers nationwide by the end of 2024. The campus charging stations will feature advanced systems for fast and reliable charging, backed by a high-efficiency digital network.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Hassan Al Ali, Vice President of Customer Service at Etihad Water and Electricity, and Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Vice President of Shared Services at the Higher Colleges of Technology.

Encouraging students

The stations installed at the Higher Colleges of Technology will feature cutting-edge charging systems, including fast chargers for quick top-ups, all supported by UAEV’s robust digital infrastructure. This setup optimises charging efficiency, providing users with reliable and speedy charging options.

Electric vehicle adoption in the UAE saw significant growth in 2023, with penetration rates rising from 3.7% in 2022 to 11.3% in 2023. Currently, there are over 40,000 EVs in the UAE. This shift towards electric vehicles is anticipated to positively impact various sectors, including transportation, energy, and the environment, while also boosting the country's economic capabilities and potential.

Al Ali stated that the partnership with HCT reflects the company's commitment to supporting the national roadmap for a green and sustainable transport system. This initiative aligns with the National Electric Vehicle Policy, an area where Etihad Water and Electricity is proud to partner with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. He noted that this agreement is part of a series of similar agreements recently signed by the company, marking the second such collaboration with higher education institutions in the UAE.

Al Nuaimi emphasised that environmental sustainability is a strategic priority for the Higher Colleges of Technology. This aligns with the colleges' sustainability framework launched this year, coinciding with the Year of Sustainability. He added that the collaboration will help the colleges achieve one of their key objectives within this framework, which involves providing charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles on campus. This initiative encourages staff and students to use electric and hybrid vehicles, supporting the colleges' environmental sustainability goals.