Latest Electric Cars to Hit UAE Roads in 2025-26
Abu Dhabi: The automotive market in the UAE has seen plenty of activity through 2025. And the next year appears to be even more exciting as new cars continue to arrive in the markets. Among conventional fuel cars, the electric vehicle (EV) segment, both sedans and SUVs in the UAE have been getting new additions almost every other month.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Why is the popularity of EVs growing in the UAE?
EVs are gaining customer preference due strong government incentives, rapidly expanding charging infrastructure, increased environmental awareness, and lower total cost of ownership.How particular and user-friendly are EVs in the Emirates in 2025?
Electric vehicles are increasingly user-friendly with features like fast charging, extended range, climate-adapted designs, and growing service networks in the UAE.All the top brands are bringing their latest offerings to the already crowded markets, and it is likely to get even more crowded. Buyers are literally spoiled for choice. If you've been waiting to see what's coming next after Tesla and BYD, there is a lot to look forward to. The next 12 months are going to change the game as newer brands are making a beeline. Similarly, the established brands are going electric, which means more competition, lower prices and multiplying options. We take a look at some notable EV launches planned in the UAE in the next year or so to help in your buying journey.
Volvo EX60
The list starts with a premium brand that is quite familiar, Volvo, the Swedish brand known for safety and understated design, is bringing the EX60. This is the car designed to replace the XC60 petrol model, but it's all-electric. The EX60 is expected to be launched in January 2026. What do you expect? It is likely to take on top brands like the Tesla Model Y and BMW iX3.
The EX60 is built on Volvo's brand-new SPA3 platform, which uses something called a structural battery pack, quite similar to Tesla. Wherein the battery itself becomes part of the car's structure, which offers benefits like better rigidity, lower weight, and crucially for the UAE, improved range.
The EX60 is expected to deliver a WLTP range of over 700 km, with real-world adjustments for the UAE driving conditions bringing that to 600-650 km on typical days. That's enough to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and back without thinking about charging. It'll come in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with up to 536 hp of power available. It is fast too, going from 0 to 100 km/h in under 5 seconds, not a drag racer, but quick enough.
The interior keeps Volvo's minimalist approach, which includes a 14.5-inch infotainment display with integrated Google Maps and Google Assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, phone-as-key capability, and over-the-air updates. You get to choose a battery between 80 to 106 kWh and focus on prismatic cell tech, which means better energy density, longer life, and more consistent power in the UAE heat.
The pricing isn't confirmed yet for the UAE, but expect pricing around AED 200,000, aligned with XC60 pricing and local EV incentives.
Chery OMODA E5
The next EV is a value bet, which is a great indicator of how the market is changing. The Chery OMODA E5 is the car that proves electric but not necessarily an expensive buy. Expected launch in November 2025, a full-electric compact SUV by the Chinese brand, it is a genuine choice in its segment. The OMODA E5 gets a 61 kWh lithium-ion battery, with real real-life range of up to 430 km on a full charge and also supports fast charging. That's incredible for a car that is mostly priced less than AED 150,000.
The OMODA E5 comes with 201 hp of power and solid 340 Nm of torque, capable of reaching a top speed of 107 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 7.6 seconds.
The cabin isn't fancy, but it's practical, just like you expect from a Chinese brand, high on features and luxury. You’re not disappointed, with features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen that controls all of the car's features, Bluetooth connection, navigation, USB charger, voice control, audio, Wi-Fi hotspot, smart device integration, and Apple CarPlay.
This compact SUV has already secured a 5-star safety rating. This car is going to force everyone else to rethink pricing with assured quality, decent range, and at a reasonable price.
AITO M9
Another Chinese EV on the list is AITO 9, a combination of luxury and technology. Likely to arrive next year, the AITO is not a familiar brand yet in the UAE, but it comes from a pedigree of the globally known Huawei's automotive division.
AITO 9 is a flagship SUV with 489 hp of power and a 5-seat configuration. This SUV is the smaller sibling to the massive AITO M9, which has been a big hit in the Chinese market. Can you trust another Chinese brand like the AITO? There is a good reason because it is backed by Huawei’s tech. The AITO M9 gets a 98 kWh battery supporting an exceptional range of 630 km, accelerates 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds with 530 horsepower, and top speed of out at 200 km/h.
But there is more than just power; the cabin is one big highlight. The M9 is equipped with Huawei ADS 2.0, an AI-powered advanced driver assistance system with one Lidar, three millimetre wave radars, 12 ultrasonic radars and several cameras. There's also a 75-inch augmented reality driver's head-up display, 25 speakers and three screens on the dash. It feels incredibly futuristic, something similar to sci-fi movies, and for good reason, because the AITO M9 is expected to be positioned as a premium option when it arrives in early 2026.
Other Interesting Arrivals
AITO 7 - Arriving in December 2025, is a big-size comfort SUV for families with more than 1000 km range. Powered by a 330 KW maximum power and 660 Nm maximum torque.
AITO 5 - another AITO-branded sports SUV coming in November. This is sort of an entry-level SUV for the AITO brand in the UAE.
Volvo ES90 - another option coming in December 2026. The ES90 is an electric SUV with 333 hp of power in three trim levels: Ultra, Plus, and Core. Volvo's flagship electric SUV, which is humongous and loaded with tech.
Chevrolet Captiva EV - Chevy is going all-in on electric, and bringing the all-electric SUV Captiva in January 2026. It has the potential to be a big hit in the UAE market given the brand’s loyalty, but that depends on whether the price is right.
Multiple Choices for Buyers
Considering customers' growing interest in EVs, it is no longer a niche, sustainability enthusiasts market anymore. Today, as a buyer of EVs, you have more choices than ever. European, Chinese, Japanese and Korean and US brands are bringing their latest global offering. The charging infrastructure in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is improving rapidly as we speak, even beyond big cities. Malls, offices, and hotels have chargers. The anxiety about finding a plug is basically gone. Importantly, prices are much affordable now, and no longer any premium compared to petrol. In some cases, you're actually saving money.
But here's the honest part: the market is going to shift fast. By 2026, if you're not offering a credible electric car, you're losing customers. Every brand knows this. Everyone's moving. That means supply issues, dealer inexperience, and service question marks for new models.
What should you consider?
Given that several exciting EVs are on their way to our market, there is actually a lot to choose from. The Volvo EX60 if you want proven Scandinavian quality, long range, and the confidence that this is a real luxury car. The Chery OMODA E5 if you want maximum value and don't care about badge prestige. The AITO if you're tech-forward and want something that looks like the future actually arrived. The Volvo ES90 if you can wait until late 2026 and want the flagship experience. All of them are coming, have dealers in the UAE, promising a great online shopping experience. So, your wait is almost over. Get ready to take them for a spin once they enter a showroom near you.