*The mission is to bring down carbon emission

Qatar is looking to bet big on electric vehicles and plans to achieve a significant goal of making 3-5% of the total car population in the country green by 2022.

The move is initiated by the General Electricity and Water Corporation's (Kahramaa) as part of its ongoing efforts under the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed).

The aim is to bring down carbon emission and encourage a culture of environmental-friendly practices in the transportation sector.

Engineer Mohamed Khalid al-Sharshani, head of the technical section at Tarsheed told Gulf Times on Monday that all efforts are being taken up to achieve the goal by the deadline.

"The mission, planned in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, will be implemented with the co-operation from various stakeholders including the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Ministry of Transport and Communication," he explained.

Al-Sharshani was speaking on the sidelines of the observance of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer at Kahramaa Awareness Park. Observing that the culture of e-cars is getting ground in Qatar, he said supportive measures and awareness campaigns will further draw residents towards the concept of environmental-friendly vehicles.

“We are planning to set up 400 car charging stations across Qatar by 2022 and they will ensure better convenience of charging for vehicle owners,” he added.

As per the plan, charging points will be at shopping malls, residential areas, stadiums, parks and government offices. Kahramaa has so far opened electric charging stations at Qatar Scientific Club, Kahramaa Main Building, Kahramaa Awareness Park Building, Alfardan Towers, St. Regis Hotel and Marsa Malaz Kempinski at The Pearl-Qatar.

Two electric charging stations for buses are functioning at the headquarters of Mowasalat. All the charging stations are presently extending their services for free.

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