Quick answer
Dubai has a large public charging network — DEWA's EV Green Chargers plus other operators and Tesla Superchargers — at malls, hotels, petrol stations and car parks. You usually start a session through the operator's app or a registered card and pay a per-kWh tariff that works out far cheaper per kilometre than petrol. Ask the rental company which apps or cards come with the car and what charge level it expects back.
1Where can you charge in Dubai?
The operators' apps and most navigation apps show chargers on a map, and many show whether a charger is free right now.
- Mall and hotel car parks — often while you shop or eat.
- Petrol stations on the main roads, including fast chargers.
- Public car parks and some residential towers.
- Tesla Superchargers, for Tesla cars.
- Along the highways to Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, at fewer points.
2How do you start a charging session?
- 1Check the car's connector — most use Type 2 for slower AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging.
- 2Download the operator's app, or use the charging card supplied with the rental.
- 3Plug in and start the session in the app or by tapping the card.
- 4Stop the session in the app before you unplug.
- 5Move the car when it is done — some operators charge idle fees.
3How long does charging take?
| Charger | Typical time | Where |
|---|---|---|
| AC (Type 2) | Typical timeSeveral hours | WhereMalls, hotels, homes |
| DC fast, around 50 kW | Typical timeAbout 40–60 minutes | WherePetrol stations, some malls |
| DC rapid, 100 kW and above | Typical timeAbout 15–30 minutes | WhereNewer hubs and Tesla Superchargers |
Rough times. They depend on the car, the battery level and the heat.
4How much does charging cost?
Public charging is billed per kWh at a rate set by each operator. DEWA publishes its tariff, and the cost per kilometre is well below petrol. Fast chargers can cost more per kWh than slow ones, and some locations add parking fees on top. Check the current rate in the app before you start.
5What to ask the rental company
- What charge level should the car come back at, and what is the fee if it is lower?
- Which charging apps or cards are linked to the car?
- Does it come with a portable charging cable?
- What is the realistic range in summer with the air conditioning on?
- Can it go to Hatta, Abu Dhabi or the mountains?
Heat and air conditioning cut range. In summer, plan on noticeably less than the brochure figure and top up at the mall while you are there.
6Can you take an electric car on a road trip?
Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back is within most electric cars' range. For Hatta, Jebel Jais or Fujairah, check the chargers on the route before you go and leave with a near-full battery. Mountain climbs use more energy on the way up and recover some on the way down.
For models and daily prices, see electric car rental in Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
Is EV charging free in Dubai?
Generally no. Public charging is billed per kWh; some hotels and malls offer free charging to guests or customers, but do not count on it.
Which app do I need to charge an EV in Dubai?
It depends on the operator — DEWA, other networks and Tesla each use their own app or card. Ask the rental company which one is set up for the car.
How long does it take to charge an electric car in Dubai?
From about 15–30 minutes on a rapid charger to several hours on a standard AC charger, depending on the car and the battery level.
Can I charge a rental EV at my hotel?
Many hotels have chargers in their car parks. Ask at check-in whether guests can use them and what it costs.
Is an electric car a good rental choice in Dubai?
Yes for city driving and trips to Abu Dhabi — chargers are widespread. Longer trips to remote areas need a little planning.
What connector do electric cars use in the UAE?
Most use Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging. Check the car before you set off.
Written by the TripReview team from our own price benchmarks and the rules published by UAE authorities, and updated 22 September 2026. Figures are ranges, not quotes — check the latest rules with the official source before you travel. How we rate companies
