A new charging platform launched in the UAE promises to connect drivers, operators, and infrastructure providers through a single digital system, as the region accelerates its electric vehicle rollout.
ION, a joint venture between BEEAH and Crescent Enterprises, unveiled its integrated EV ecosystem at the Evolve Future Mobility Show in Sharjah. The platform includes a mobile app and a charge point management system designed to simplify access for drivers whilst giving operators real-time data on charger performance and usage.
The system supports over 100 ultra-fast chargers installed across the UAE in partnership with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority. With capacity reaching 400kW, these units can fully charge compatible vehicles in around 20 minutes, addressing one of the persistent barriers to EV adoption in a region where long distances and high temperatures place unusual demands on batteries.
Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH, described the launch as a catalyst for regional electrification, enabling easier access to charging and encouraging new entrants to build out the ecosystem. Whether the platform gains widespread adoption beyond ION’s own network remains to be seen.
How does the platform work?
The ION app, available on iOS and Android, allows drivers to locate chargers, monitor charging progress, and handle payments automatically. For infrastructure operators and property owners, the system provides management tools and performance analytics intended to improve efficiency and revenue potential.
Amir Melad, ION’s CEO, said the company aims to make EV ownership seamless for users whilst ensuring profitability for businesses through its AI-enabled platform. The system was demonstrated at the Sharjah event, showing real-time charging data and automated payment processing.
ION has form in this area. The company installed the UAE’s first ultra-fast charger on Yas Island and launched an electric ride-hailing service with Masdar City. Those projects, whilst modest in scale, established ION as an early mover in the Emirati EV infrastructure space.
Can the UAE meet its 2050 targets?
The charger rollout aligns with the National Electric Vehicles Policy, which sets an ambitious target of 50% EV adoption by 2050. That goal, whilst politically significant, faces practical challenges including charging density, grid capacity, and consumer willingness to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles that remain cheap to run.
Sharjah’s collaboration with ION forms part of the emirate’s broader push to position itself as a climate-positive smart city. Dr Yousif Khamis Mohamed Alathmane, Chairman of SRTA, emphasised the role of sustainable transport in reducing carbon emissions and improving public services.
The partnership between SRTA and BEEAH extends beyond the initial 100 chargers, with plans for a wider network covering commercial areas and highway routes across Sharjah. Deployment timelines and funding details have not been disclosed.
Tushar Singhvi, Deputy CEO of Crescent Enterprises, said the initiative positions the GCC as a leader in clean transport and should encourage other companies to invest in charging infrastructure. That optimism may be justified, given the levels of government backing and private capital flowing into the sector, but competition is also intensifying.
What comes next?
ION plans to expand beyond the UAE into the wider GCC region, though specific markets and timelines have not been confirmed. The company’s strategy appears to hinge on creating a unified platform that can scale across borders, reducing fragmentation in a charging market that currently involves multiple operators, payment systems, and access protocols.
The challenge will be persuading other infrastructure providers to adopt ION’s platform rather than developing their own systems. Interoperability remains a significant issue across the region, with drivers often needing multiple apps to access different charging networks.
Success will depend on several factors: the reliability of the chargers themselves, the platform’s ability to integrate with competitors’ infrastructure, and whether the UAE’s EV market grows quickly enough to justify the investment. Government policy will also play a role, particularly around standardisation and access requirements for charging operators.
For now, the launch signals continued momentum in the UAE’s EV infrastructure buildout. Whether ION’s integrated approach becomes the regional standard, or simply one option among many, will become clearer as more operators enter the market and the competition for charging revenue intensifies.
