Yas Island’s new charge points to power electric car ambitions

Yas Island is now the home of Abu Dhabi’s largest cluster of electric vehicle charging points as the country takes further steps towards becoming a green nation.

Rising demand encouraged electric vehicle (EV) developer Tesla to instal six charging stations at the island’s theme parks, to add to 10 other recent installations at Yas Mall.

Four other charging points have been put in place by BMW and Mercedes, bringing the total on the island to 22, including two already in use. It makes a trip in an EV from the capital to Dubai even more plausible with powering points en route.

The charging points are split over five key locations to help EV users to power up practically anywhere on the island.

The idea behind EV charging stations relies on a different model than that of petrol stations. Since the charging time can be about 30 minutes, compared with three minutes to refuel with petrol at an Adnoc station, points are better located in areas where a customer is likely to spend some time, such as shopping, attending an event or visiting a theme park.

“We want to ensure that all our visitors, joining us from near and far, feel a genuine sense of encouragement to come and enjoy the wide range of activities, events and attractions on offer,” said Gerardo Llanes, executive director at Yas Island Destination Management.

“By consistently expanding our ease of accessibility and transportation options, we aim to create a smooth, memorable and facilitated experience, 365 days of the year.”

Yas Island’s two theme parks – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld – have three charging points each, outside their main entrances, and which work for UAE and EU Tesla vehicles. The new chargers follow Yas Mall’s 10 Tesla electric chargers – seven of which are compatible with all types of EVs.

The mall also has two Mercedes B Class Electric Drive chargers and two BMW i Wallbox Pro chargers; there is also a Tesla charger at Yas Viceroy Hotel and one at the Adnoc service station on the island.

The additions come as Tesla’s new Model S and X vehicles started to arrive in the UAE this month, and demand for EVs is expected to grow ahead of the arrival of the Model 3, Tesla’s most affordable option, scheduled for the end of the month.