Crowd-sourced updates and reviews help UAE EV drivers find free charging stations.
Dubai: Free EV charging is still available across the UAE, with malls, hotels and selected private locations offering complimentary charging. However, identifying which stations are genuinely free can be challenging without checking in advance.
PlugShare is a crowd-sourced map that helps EV drivers locate and track free charging points, alongside official platforms such as DEWA’s app and other charging network tools. Like many community-driven services, its effectiveness depends on the number of users actively sharing updates and reviews in each area.
How it works
Setting it up
The PlugShare app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Users can create an account using a Google or Apple login, or by registering with an email address and password.
After signing up, drivers can add their specific EV model to receive charger recommendations based on vehicle compatibility. They can also post reviews, upload photos of charging stations they have visited, and use the trip planner feature to map out longer journeys.
How the map works
When opened, the app uses your current location to display nearby charging stations as pins on an interactive map. Selecting a pin opens the station’s details, including available connector types, charging speeds and recent updates or check-ins shared by other EV drivers.
Filtering for free charging stations
The app allows users to filter charging locations by cost, helping them identify stations reported as free while removing paid options from the results. This filter can usually be combined with connector type and vehicle compatibility settings, allowing drivers to view only free chargers that work with their specific EV model.
Why reviews matter more than listings
This is an important point to consider before relying on the app. Since the map is powered by crowd-sourced information, its accuracy depends on drivers regularly updating stations with details on whether they are free, operational or currently in use.
A charger listed as free by its host may not remain complimentary forever, and information can become outdated if users do not provide recent updates. Drivers should check the latest reviews and check-ins rather than relying only on the station listing. Updating the status after using a charger also helps keep the information reliable for other EV users.
Most of the UAE’s EV charging network now operates on a paid basis. DEWA’s charging network typically charges around Dh0.70 per kWh for standard AC charging and Dh1.20 per kWh for fast DC charging, in addition to 5 per cent VAT. ADNOC’s E2GO charging stations also follow a similar paid model.
Truly free charging options are generally limited to occasional mall promotions, hotel charging benefits for guests, or newly launched stations offering temporary free access. Since these offers can change quickly, drivers should verify charging details through official platforms such as DEWA or ADNOC Distribution before relying on a listed free charger.
