Separate: Range concerns still keeping UAE buyers from EVs, says Galadari Automotive CEO
Range concerns remain a key barrier to getting electric cars in the UAE despite the government’s efforts to expand the infrastructure, axel dreyer, axelmotive CEO of Galadari told Arabian business.
“The range concerns are still there because we have a lot of customers who drive every day from here to Abu Dhabi,” Dreyer said. Arabian business. “The infrastructure network, especially in relation to superchargers, is still not legal with the increase in the number of cars sold.”
The 50-year-old car distributor representing Mazda has recently added Chinese brands Lynk & Co, Omoda and Jaecoo to its portfolio. It’s the activities that position things about extended electric vehicles as a viable solution for UAE consumers until charging infrastructure catches up with car sales.
Long-term travel in the UAE poses some challenges for pure EV owners. Citizens tend to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, from the north of the Emirates to the capital, or from Sharjah to Jebel Ali, dynamic distances that drag down the price of the battery.
“There are a lot of people who basically go to Jebel Ali from Sharjah. These are big distances,” said the CEO, who acknowledged the great concern among drivers.
Galadari responds by pressing hybrid models that can drive 120 kilometers in electric power, enough for daily travel and daily activities and switch to gasoline for long trips.
“Customers can drive to the office, bring the kids to school, go shopping during the week electronically,” he explained. “If you go on a weekend with the family to Hatta or Al Ain, you just fill the tank and drive easily.”
The CEO expects the infrastructure to rapidly improve Dubai’s growth pace. Government procurement is already favoring the development of EVS and plug-in hybrids, and new developments include charging arrangements. But with the existing housing stock and current conditions, interest rates represent a low-risk purchase.
“All the new projects coming up definitely have provisions for car charging, whether it’s in front of apartment buildings or even villa projects,” he said.
The car market in the UAE is growing 5 percent to 7 percent per year, creating an opportunity for distributors but more competition from the new market for established players.
Galadari has achieved a market record Share Mazda with double-digit growth in recent years and is now expanding with Chinese brands Betting that its 50-year reputation will transfer to unusual names.
The company is building a large warehouse and testing center from Dubai Industrial City is expected to open by the end of 2026 and the opening of Lynk & Co Flagship showrooms in Abu Dhabi by Q2 2025.
If government and private investment accelerates faster than expected, pure EVs could become operational sooner than Galadari is alive. If Infrastructure Lags, the company’s bet on the interest of plug-in hybrids stands it in good stead for the long term.
“We just want to make sure we’re avoiding the effects of canningabalisation within our products, so we’re looking very forward [to adding new brands]He concluded.
