Leading in technology and sustainability – focus on electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Qatar | Dentons

As part of its National Vision 2030, Qatar is developing its transportation infrastructure to provide an integrated, multimodal transportation system that offers safe, reliable and eco-friendly services. Qatar has recently launched the Doha Metro and is expecting to launch the Lusail light rail transit (LRT) later this year. Qatar intends to be a leader in technology and environmental sustainability with a focus on the e-transport and mobility sectors. The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has begun executing a plan to introduce electric buses (e-buses) to Qatar.

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) has recently signed a multilateral framework agreement with Yutong, one of the world's leading bus and coach suppliers, and Mowasalat, the major transport services provider in Qatar, to establish and operate the electric buses factory. Initially, the agreement aims to achieve Qatar's Vision that, by 2022, 25% of Qatar's public transit bus fleet will be electric. The first phase of e-buses will be used for the Qatar FIFA World Cup to transport the expected 1.5 million World Cup visitors between football stadiums. Qatar is aiming for all its public transport to be e-powered by 2030 and, once the manufacturing output reaches full capacity, we would expect Qatar to focus on exports to overseas markets.

This level of investment will make Qatar an extremely attractive market for foreign investment and place it in a strong position for future export business. As of now, the introduction of e-buses to Qatar requires the construction of infrastructure and the installation of e-bus charging stations. With their increased adoption, we also expect that there will be a rising demand for electric charging stations in Qatar for all electric vehicles. The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), represented by the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tasheed), has also launched the "Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure Guideline in the State of Qatar".

The transition of electric mobility is one of the largest macro-economic shifts in our lifetime. We therefore expect an increase in electric charging infrastructure in Qatar as the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow in the region.