
A typical 72V electric vehicle in the UAE market, such as a compact city car or an LSV (Low-Speed Vehicle), offers a real-world range of approximately 80 to 120 km on a single charge under mixed urban conditions. This range is significantly influenced by local driving patterns and climate. For instance, constant use of air conditioning during summer months, where temperatures exceed 40°C, can reduce the range by 15-25%. According to the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure's guidelines on EV efficiency, aggressive driving on highways like Sheikh Zayed Road can further decrease efficiency. The Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO) sets safety and performance benchmarks for such vehicles sold in the region. The total cost of ownership (TCO) for a typical 72V model over 3 years in Dubai, considering a purchase price of around AED 45,000, includes annual depreciation of roughly AED 8,000, electricity costs of about AED 0.15 per km (based on DEWA residential tariffs), and minimal maintenance, leading to a cost per km significantly lower than comparable petrol models using Special 95 fuel.

My daily commute is from Sharjah to Dubai Business Bay, about 60 km round trip. My 72V electric microcar just about makes it in summer if I pre-cool it while plugged in at home. Once I got stuck in unexpected Dubai-Sharjah rush-hour traffic with the AC on full blast, and the range indicator dropped faster than the temperature. I arrived home with less than 10% , which was stressful. Now I rarely trust the claimed range if I have to use the highway.

In our used-car showroom in Dubai, we see many people asking about these small electric cars. The main feedback from owners is about the range being less than advertised, especially after a year or two of use. Batteries degrade faster here because of the heat. A customer last month traded in his 2022 model because the actual range dropped from 100 km to around 70 km, making it unusable for his new job in Abu Dhabi. For purely city use in areas like Marina or Downtown, it's manageable, but forget about reliable inter-emirate trips.

As a mechanic in Al Quoz, I advise owners to strictly use the manufacturer's charger. I've seen several cases where using a non-standard charger damaged the management system, permanently reducing capacity. Also, try to avoid charging the battery immediately after a long drive in the heat; let the vehicle cool down first. This simple habit can help preserve battery life in our climate.

For short delivery trips within a single district like Jumeirah or Deira, these vehicles are cost-effective. I use one for a small bakery, making 30-40 km of stops per day. The key is planning: I charge fully overnight and during my midday break at the shop. The savings on fuel compared to my old petrol van are substantial, probably around AED 400-500 per month. However, it's only suitable for this specific, predictable range. Any expansion of my delivery area would require a higher-voltage EV.










