In 2020, Zahir al Dhawi and Jawad al Lawati, two electric vehicle (EV) owners in Oman, faced significant challenges due to the scarcity of public charging stations. Despite these obstacles, their determination helped pave the way for the introduction of EV infrastructure in the country.
Al Dhawi, a 32-year-old EV enthusiast, and Al Lawati, a 21-year-old who turned to electric vehicles after his old car broke down, became instrumental in advocating for EV adoption and infrastructure development in Oman.
From Individual Struggles to Collective Action
Al Dhawi and Al Lawati’s journeys into the world of electric vehicles were marked by personal frustrations with traditional cars and a shared vision for a sustainable future. Their initial struggles with finding adequate charging solutions led them to the online community of Tesla and other EV owners in Oman.
This group, which they co-founded, quickly evolved into a platform for raising awareness about electric mobility and lobbying for necessary regulatory changes and infrastructure development. Their efforts were driven by a belief in the environmental benefits of EVs, as well as the potential for lower operating and maintenance costs.
Challenging the Status Quo
The lack of infrastructure was identified as a major barrier to EV adoption in Oman. Al Dhawi and Al Lawati, along with their community, approached the relevant authorities with data on the increasing number of EVs, challenging the skepticism about market demand.
Their persistence paid off, leading to the establishment of around 90 electric charging stations across the country, which are currently free to use. Additionally, they highlighted the affordability of imported EVs and the feasibility of installing home charging stations, further dismantling obstacles to EV adoption.
Looking Towards a Greener Future
Despite electric vehicles constituting a small fraction of total cars in Oman, the demand for them is on the rise. This growing interest has prompted the government to introduce several incentives, including exemptions from customs tax, VAT, and registration fees.
Furthermore, a ministerial decision mandates all public fuel stations to include electric charging points, signaling a significant shift towards greener mobility. Al Dhawi and Al Lawati’s journey from facing personal inconveniences to spearheading a movement for EV infrastructure development exemplifies the potential for community-led initiatives to drive sustainable change.