Five best new electric SUVs to buy in the UAE
While EVs currently make up just over 1% of the overall car market in the UAE, sales of electric vehicles are growing fast – with demand projected to grow at an annual rate of 30% between 2022 and 2028, according to Arthur D Little’s latest global electric mobility readiness index.
Such demand ranks the UAE eighth globally in terms of electric mobility readiness, as the country targets 50% EVs on roads by 2050.
In efforts to support growth, a network of vehicle charging stations will be introduced across the emirates, with authorities setting a target of increasing the number by 170% in the coming years.
As the UAE’s first-ever e-mobility-focused dealer. Al Futtaim Electric Mobility is supporting this vision, with plans to set up nearly 3,000 charging points by 2030.
The EV dealership is also selling a diverse range across of affordable and premium EV brands including Chinese giant BYD and Swedish brand Polestar.
And just this month, the UAE launched its first-ever EV brand, Rabden – being made in Abu Dhabi by UAE electric car maker NWTN, which specialises in environmentally friendly technology and mobility.
Not just that, but this year has seen the launch of Dubai’s first electric wooden abra (self-driving too) and the start of trials by The Dubai Taxi Corporation of new electric vehicles (Dubai Taxi plans to become 100% eco-friendly by 2027).
But will UAE residents take the electric plunge?
According to a new survey commissioned by General Motors, the majority (70%) of UAE residents are strongly considering a future EV purchase – with reasons mainly focused on potential cost savings, growing number of EV charging stations.
If you’re one of those, here’s our pick of the five best electric SUVs available in the UAE in 2023 / 2024.
1
Polestar 3
Arriving in the UAE in 2024, along with Polestar 4, the 3 packs quite the power and style punch.
Backed by Volvo, Sweden’s EV manufacturer Polestar has been making headlines over the last year, with its latest release, the Polestar 3, attracting lots of attention – possibly because it is one of the best-looking electric SUVs out there. Scandinavian minimalism meets sci-fi tech with features including automatic lane keeping, blindspot detection, and plenty of monitoring components including one of the first cars (like the Volvo EX90) to offer an onboard passenger detection system, to prevent any occupants from overheating if left in the car.
The Polestar 3 comes in two versions with the Performance Pack offering more power and torque. Polestar pegs range at around 610km and a charging time of half an hour. With two rows of seats (five seats), interiors are as sustainable as they are roomy, made up of a natural fibre composite made from European-grown flax. While floor mats are created from recycled PET bottles. From a sourcing perspective, Polestar is using blockchain technology to trace the origins of the components that go into the car’s battery, to ensure they are coming from conflict-free regions.
If you’re looking for a Polestar sooner, opt for the Polestar 2 which is currently available in the UAE.
2
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Making its regional debut at Mobility Live 2023 in May, the EQS SUV by Mercedes-EQ raises the bar for an electric SUV with cutting-edge features, timeless elegance, plenty of space and impressive power – capable of accelerating from 0-100 kmph in just 4.3 seconds. Little wonder then that the Dubai Police recently added this new luxury EV to its fleet.
The energy-dense battery can cover up to 717km when fully charged and boasts a high-charging performance of up to 200kW in just 15 minutes. It incorporates state-of-the-art AI systems and interactive screens that provide the driver with all essential information. With space for up to seven passengers, there are three rows of seats, while the booat can fit up to four golf bags. The SUV’s MBUX Hyperscreen offers a 100% personalised and intuitive user experience, using AI to automatically plan routes including charging time.
3
Audi Q8 e-tron SUV
Making its debut at Al Nabooda Automobiles in March, the Q8 e-tron is the newest addition to Aud’s electric lineup. At a starting price of AED 419,900, this luxury SUV has an impressive range of up to 582km and up to 600km in the high-performance Sportback version.
Built for adventure, its state-of-the-art battery capacity means it can charge from 10 to 80% in just 31 minutes. It also comes with an onboard 22kW AC charger to allow for easier charging using just a wall socket. On the speed front, acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 5.6 seconds.
The SUV’s four-zone automatic climate control ensures ultimate comfort, with optional extras including massage seats and ambient lighting. Among features, two large touchscreen displays for in-cabin controls and a four-zone automatic climate control with pre-conditioning.
One for next year, Volvo’s flagship electric vehicle, the EX90 electric SUV, is slated to arrive in the UAE in early 2024.
Claiming to be the most advanced Volvo car ever created, and its safest yet, the EX90 is a seven-seater all-electric family SUV offering range of up 600km on a single charge, with a battery that can be charged from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes and acceleration of 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The SUV is supported by the Volvo Cars smartphone app, a mobile platform that brings together a wide variety of services and features designed to make your life easier and more enjoyable – from looking for a public charging station to entering your car with keyless access. Equipped with eight cameras, five radars, 16 ultrasonic sensors and a capacitive steering wheel – the SUV has a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings and can spot small objects hundreds of metres ahead and send a warning.
5
BYD Atto 3 C-SUV
Considered the most affordable electric SUV on the UAE market, with a starting price of AED149,000, the Atto 3 comes courtesy of Chinese carmaker BYD. With a sport exterior and futuristic-looking interior, the Atto 3 has both style and substance. Claiming to have one of the world’s safest batteries, the Atto 3 has a range of 48km, with the battery fast-charging, from 30% to 80% in just 29 minutes, while the optional 11kW wall box makes charging at home easy and convenient.
The Atto 3 is equipped with the all-new BYD e-platform 3.0 designed exclusively for pure EVs with intelligent voice control allowing drivers to stay safe. Features include automatic lane keep assistance, advanced driving assistance, and blind spot detection.
Top speed is 160 km/h and acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds. By the end of 2023, Al Futtaim Electric Mobility expects to have five BYD models available in the UAE.
