ENOC and ION launch ultra-fast EV chargers in Sharjah to accelerate UAE’s electric vehicle shift

ENOC Group and ION, the sustainability-focused mobility arm created by BEEAH and Crescent Enterprises, have started deploying ultra-fast direct-current (DC) chargers at ENOC stations around Sharjah. The goal, they say, is to boost the availability of public charging points and support a broader adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the UAE.

From what I gather, the partnership involves ION handling the supply, installation, and operation of smart chargers at several key ENOC service stations chosen for their high traffic. ION will oversee the entire network via its integrated digital platform. This platform combines a customer app with a charge point management system (CPMS), which connects drivers, station operators, property owners, fleet managers, and government bodies, all on one unified network.

Hussain Sultan Lootah, Acting CEO of ENOC, mentioned in a statement to Zawya, “Sharjah’s swift advancements in sustainability and innovation are a big part of the UAE’s wider vision for a greener economy. We’re proud to support the emirate’s rise as a leader in smart mobility and environmental efforts. This partnership really shows our dedication to building future-proof energy infrastructure and speeding up the shift to clean energy solutions nationwide.”

Aamir Milad, CEO of ION, added to Zawya, “We’re happy to team up with ENOC to improve access to EV charging stations in Sharjah. Through ENOC’s network, our ecosystem, well, it’s set up to make deploying, running, and maintaining EV chargers a lot smoother.”

Talking contextual scale here, industry reports indicate the ION platform is being positioned as the UAE’s first truly unified EV ecosystem. It combines the consumer-facing ION app with a robust backend CPMS, making roaming between different chargers possible in real time and allowing for centralised management of operations. According to the companies, this system should facilitate the rollout of more than 100 ultra-fast chargers nationwide, working closely with local transport authorities like Sharjah’s Roads and Transport Authority.

Now, focusing on Sharjah specifically, this ENOC–ION deal aims to tackle two lingering barriers to EV adoption: first, the limited availability of high-speed public charging stations in convenient locations, and second, the fragmentation of payment systems and roaming options. By installing ultra-fast DC chargers at existing ENOC stations, they’re taking advantage of established infrastructure and familiar foot traffic. Plus, these chargers cater better to longer trips and commercial fleet needs, fast, on-route charging compared to the slower AC units more common at homes or workplaces.

The move aligns well with policies from both the federal level and the emirates, aimed at boosting electrification. The UAE’s National Electric Vehicle Policy has set ambitious long-term targets, including a goal of 50% EV adoption by 2050. Industry experts and government documents show that these targets are driving increased investments into charging infrastructure, grid improvements, and smart energy management. Basically, the push for ultra-fast chargers is part of a broader effort to support eco-friendly transportation and reduce emissions.

Operators and fleet owners particularly want fast chargers, ultra-fast, actually, to cut vehicle downtime, especially for commercial fleets. With ION’s platform aiming to unify fleet managers, charging station operators, and property owners into one digital network, there’s potential for smoother permitting, better demand forecasting, and more efficient energy use. Linking this with ENOC’s retail footprint could also create new business models, like bundled energy and mobility services for both companies and the public.

Of course, there are some technical hurdles. Ultra-fast DC chargers typically need a lot of power capacity from the grid, and their economic viability depends heavily on how much they’re used and the tariffs applied. Deployments elsewhere show that putting these chargers at gas stations can boost use, since drivers prefer the convenience, but operators must also manage peak demand carefully. They might need on-site energy storage or demand-response contracts to prevent expensive grid upgrades. That’s where ION’s CPMS and app become pretty critical, they help optimise charger availability, manage queues, and implement dynamic pricing strategies. Crescent Enterprises mentioned in its announcement that the platform was showcased at a regional mobility event, designed to tackle issues like interoperability and fragmentation, both of which have slowed growth in other markets.

Looking ahead, both ENOC and ION say they’re considering expanding the network to more ENOC stations across Sharjah. If they add in other regional rollout plans already hinted at by ION and local authorities, the ENOC stations could become part of a larger national charging backbone. For policymakers and investors interested in green tech, this project clearly demonstrates a collaborative effort to create the essential infrastructure needed for mass EV adoption.

While the main roles are clear, ENOC to provide the locations and ION to supply and operate the hardware and software, the real test will be in the execution. Details like the number and power ratings of the chargers per site, exact locations, timelines for opening, tariff plans, and agreements with the grid operators still need to be worked out. And of course, much depends on how quickly and effectively these elements are implemented.

As reported, both ENOC and ION plan to keep expanding across the emirate. Industry watchers will be paying close attention to the technical specifications and rollout schedules, because ultimately, whether this project significantly relieves charging bottlenecks for drivers and fleets in Sharjah is what really matters.

Source: Noah Wire Services