Car manufacturer Renault has said financial incentives should be given to electric car buyers to encourage more drivers in the UAE to purchase the eco-friendly vehicles.

The French firm’s dealerships have sold 35 Twizys since it went on sale in Dubai recently.

But Renault Middle East marketing director Benoit Turibe believes more drivers would purchase such cars if the UAE authorities follow European governments and pay a portion of the retail cost for the car.

France and Britain are among the countries that pay up to 25 per cent of the retail cost, with the aim of cutting down on emissions.

Turibe said: “In France, the government pays about 8,000 Euros (Dhs36,000) when a person wants to buy an electric car.

“There are also free parking spaces given to the drivers of electric cars.”

France has the largest electric vehicle market in Europe as a result. Renault itself has a 30 per cent market share on the continent. The two-seater Twizy costs Dhs69,000 and can travel 80km.

Dubai energy authority DEWA earlier this year announced it was installing 100 new charge points around Dubai, but a one-way run from the city to Abu Dhabi – at 123km – would not currently be possible.


DEWA says it’s working with airports, malls, petrol stations and car parks to deliver more infrastructure and charge points

Turibe said: “Dubai is leading the way to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

“If people are given financial incentives, sales can increase. “Eventually electric cars will become a trend in this country.”

DEWA said it supports the introduction of electric vehicles “to decrease air pollution and protect the environment against the impact caused by transport sectors in the emirate.” It said it is working with airports, malls, petrol stations and car parks to deliver more infrastructure and charge points.

let me comprehend before commenting