The UAE is set to see an expansion of its electric vehicle infrastructure with 1,000 new charging units, a move that aligns with government sustainability goals and promises job creation. Loop Global, a US-based company has announced plans to install the 1,000 EV charging units across the country.
This initiative is also expected to create numerous job opportunities in various sectors, including construction, maintenance, technology, and customer service.
Loop has set up its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
Expansion of EV Infrastructure
Loop has identified the UAE as a crucial market with high potential for EV adoption. The country’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable modes of transportation has made it an attractive destination for foreign investments in green technologies.
The installation of these charging units will be strategically placed in key locations to maximize accessibility for current and prospective EV users. This includes urban areas, highways, shopping malls, residential communities, and various public spaces, ensuring that EV drivers will have convenient access to charging stations, regardless of their location.
“We will have more than 1,000 units in inventory from the onset and expect to increase inventory to meet the growing demand,” Loop president and co-founder Zack Martin told Khaleej Times.
“Loop’s aspiration is to make Abu Dhabi its global centre of excellence outside the US. Abu Dhabi would be the R&D, manufacturing and distribution centre, which will help with the creation of local jobs in the Emirate,” he said and noted that installation of the first charging units is slated to begin in the last quarter of this year.
“Our aim is to be the UAE’s No.1 EV charging provider and to use Abu Dhabi as a base for our regional expansion,” added Loop CEO Olga Shevorenkova.
Loop is planning rapid expansion. Picture from Loop Global website.
Alignment with UAE’s Vision
The UAE government has been actively promoting the use of electric vehicles and this project aligns with ongoing government initiatives to enhance the national vehicle fleet’s sustainability by increasing the number of EVs on the road. The installation of 1,000 charging stations is a critical step towards achieving this goal, as it addresses one of the main barriers to EV adoption: charging infrastructure.
The UAE has been steadily rising up the ranks of EV readiness according to the Roland Berger EV Charging Index. It has the most public charge points of the GCC countries. The 2024 report finds that there are 18.2 EVs per public charge point in the country. This large-scale addition by Loop is likely to bring this ratio down, although it may also encourage more people to buy an EV.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The project is also set to create many job opportunities. The construction and installation phase will require a skilled workforce ranging from engineers and technicians to project managers and logistics experts. Once operational, these charging units will need ongoing maintenance and customer service support, thereby providing long-term employment opportunities.
Local businesses are also likely to benefit from this project. Suppliers, contractors, and service providers in the UAE will have the opportunity to collaborate with the US firm, potentially leading to technology transfers and skill enhancements.
Technological Advancements
The installation will incorporate state-of-the-art technology to ensure that the charging units are efficient and user-friendly. Features such as fast-charging capabilities, mobile app integration for locating and reserving units, and 24/7 customer support are expected to meet the modern consumer’s expectations.
According to Khaleej Times, Loop provides hi-tech level 2 and DC fast-charging solutions for residential, workplace and public areas. Its flagship Flex and Infinity systems cater to both passenger and commercial vehicles. These systems offer rapid charging capabilities, with the 22 kW EV-Flex stations providing up to 77 miles (124 km) of range per hour and the quick-charging 300 kW Infinity Flash stations delivering up to 800 miles (1288 km) of range per hour.
