Living in the harsh climate of the Dubai desert with two electric vehicles (EVs) may seem like a recipe for a hefty electricity bill, particularly when considering factors like a large family, continuous air conditioning, and extensive driving distances. However, one American woman discovered that her monthly electric costs were remarkably manageable, especially when compared to the prices in the United States.

Electricity Costs of Two EVs in Dubai

Jamilia Greer, a U.S.-born attorney residing in Dubai, decided to track her electricity expenses after bringing two Nio EC6 electric vehicles into her home. Over the course of a month, the family drove approximately 4,500 kilometers (about 2,800 miles) while enduring sweltering temperatures averaging 45°C (113°F). With a household of six, air conditioning was running non-stop, contributing to the overall electricity consumption.

In total, the family’s villa consumed around 3,000 kWh of electricity, yet the monthly bill amounted to only 970 dirhams, roughly translating to $265. Greer then calculated the portion of this bill attributable to the two EVs. Based on their mileage and a consumption estimate of 19 kWh per 100 km, she figured the cars consumed about 865 kWh that month. Notably, 125 kWh came from complimentary public charging, leaving approximately 740 kWh charged at home.

Remarkably, Greer estimated that charging both electric vehicles would cost around $80, which represented merely 27% of the household’s total electricity use. The remaining 73% of the bill was for the upkeep of their villa, making it clear that her family was not at the mercy of exorbitant charges for keeping their vehicles charged.

Comparing Costs: Dubai vs. the U.S.

The most astonishing aspect emerged when Greer contrasted her electricity costs with what someone in the United States would pay for the same amount of consumption. She estimated that a similar electricity usage in Phoenix, Arizona, would result in a bill of nearly $500. In New York, the costs would be even steeper, hovering around $900.

Greer highlighted that the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is around 18.12 cents per kWh, while the household rate in Dubai, including additional fees, came to about 9.7 cents per kWh. Public charging in Dubai is priced at approximately 19 cents per kWh, which aligns closely with average U.S. electricity costs.

To further illustrate the savings, she compared the expenses of driving gasoline vehicles. A traditional SUV, averaging 21 mpg, would require around 135 gallons of fuel to travel the same 2,800 miles, costing at least $550 at a rate of $4 per gallon. In contrast, the two electric SUVs together only accrued about $80 in electricity charges for that distance.

The Takeaway: Consumption vs. Costs

While Greer acknowledges that her family likely consumes more electricity than the average American household due to the extreme climate and reliance on air conditioning, her findings emphasize a crucial point: the cost of electricity can significantly impact overall expenses.

In Dubai, the combination of relatively low electricity rates and the availability of free public charging has made it surprisingly affordable to maintain two large electric SUVs. For families like Greer’s, the financial advantages of operating EVs in such an environment could be a compelling reason to consider switching from traditional gasoline vehicles, particularly in areas facing similar living conditions and energy costs.