New fuel station regulations in Oman: Tech integration, sustainability, stricter enforcement and hefty fines
Last updated:
Fahad Al Mukrashi, Special to Gulf News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
5 days ago
- Zawya
Toyota to enter South Africa's EV market with three models in 2026
GQEBERHA - Toyota plans to introduce three fully-electric models in South Africa in 2026, a senior executive said on Thursday, entering a nascent EV market where Chinese rivals such as BYD are already competing with European carmakers. Volvo currently dominates EV sales in South Africa, followed by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but Chinese EV makers are starting to flood the market too as they seek new markets amid restrictions on exports to the United States and Europe. Toyota currently only sells hybrid electric vehicles in South Africa, but leads with a commanding 67% of the market for hybrids and plug-in hybrids in 2024, with models like its Corolla Cross. "We're launching battery electric vehicles at the beginning of 2026, so we will have three new battery electric vehicles," Toyota South Africa CEO Andrew Kirby told Reuters on the sidelines of an auto components conference, without providing further details. "We do not believe that one powertrain is going to dominate in the future. So we'll have internal combustion engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles and potentially even a carbon neutral internal combustion engine." Low incomes, high import duties, unreliable power availability and a lack of sufficient charging infrastructure have long hampered manufacturers' efforts to sell EVs in South Africa, whose share of total sales is still very low. On Chinese competition, Kirby said while he welcomes competition, "it's a very strategic concern for us and we need to make sure that we respond in the right way and as quickly as possible. It's a big challenge." South Africa's automotive sector "is at an inflection point," he added, with fairly flat production volumes, a drop in local content and a surge in imported vehicle sales. This has prompted the big local seven car manufacturers, including Toyota, BMW, Isuzu and Volkswagen, to put together a policy recommendation document sent to the trade and industry minister, on how to support and protect the local industry, Kirby said. "We do have some taxation structures that are a little bit counterproductive and so we've made some fiscally neutral policy proposals," Kirby said, adding that proposals also include the restructuring of the rebate system. "We are hoping that in the next six months there will be some short-term interventions that can be announced." Toyota has production operations in South Africa but its fully EV models will be imported initially, with the aim of making some in South Africa eventually.
Zawya
13-08-2025
- Zawya
Electric vehicle sales growth eases to 21% in July, research firm says
Global electric vehicle sales grew 21% year-on-year in July, the slowest rate since January and down from 25% in June, as momentum in plug-in hybrid sales in China slackened, market research firm Rho Motion said on Wednesday. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT China is the world's biggest car market and accounts for more than half of global EV sales, which in Rho Motion's data include battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Its overall car sales growth slowed in July, with BYD , the world's largest EV maker, recording its third monthly drop in registrations. The relatively muted slowdown in overall EV sales however shows other markets are taking up some of the slack, with European sales for one benefiting from incentives aimed at speeding up decarbonisation. BY THE NUMBERS Global sales of battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids rose to 1.6 million units in July, Rho Motion data showed. China's EV sales growth, which averaged 36% a month in the first half, eased to 12% in July as the previously booming market was dampened by a pause in some 2025 government subsidy schemes for EV and plug-in hybrid purchases, Rho Motion data manager Charles Lester said. Chinese sales reached around one million vehicles. European sales surged 48% to about 390,000 units, while North American sales climbed 10% to more than 170,000. Sales in the rest of the world jumped 55% to more than 140,000 vehicles. KEY QUOTE "Despite regional variations, the overall trajectory for EV adoption in 2025 remains strongly upward," Lester said. WHAT'S NEXT Chinese car sales are expected to return to strong growth from August as new funds become available for its subsidy schemes, while a cut in U.S. tax credits for buying or leasing new EVs at the end of September will hurt demand there, Lester added. (Reporting by Alessandro Parodi in Gdansk; Editing by Jan Harvey)
UAE Moments
12-08-2025
- UAE Moments
Can EVs Handle Desert Heat? We Put Them to the Test
The Gulf summer is no joke—temperatures can soar past 50°C, asphalt shimmers like a mirage, and even your sunglasses sweat. But with the electric vehicle (EV) boom sweeping the Middle East, one burning question lingers: Can EVs handle the desert heat? We took the latest models from Tesla, BYD, BMW, and Hyundai for a week-long torture test in the UAE and Oman, pushing them through scorching highways, stop-and-go traffic, and sun-baked parking lots. The results? Surprisingly reassuring—with a few caveats. Why Heat Is an EV's Frenemy EVs actually love moderate warmth—batteries operate more efficiently when not freezing. But when the mercury climbs beyond 45°C, problems can arise: Battery Efficiency Drop: Extreme heat can speed up battery degradation and temporarily reduce range. Thermal Management Stress: Cooling systems work overtime, using up more power. Cabin Comfort Costs: Running air-conditioning at full blast eats into range—especially on city commutes. If you're searching EV desert performance, electric car heat resistance, or EV range in hot weather, you're in the right place. How the Cars Performed Tesla Model 3 Performance The Tesla's liquid-cooled battery system handled the heat without a hiccup. We saw a 7–10% drop in range during midday drives with AC set to 'Arctic Tundra' mode. Supercharging stations across the UAE also proved heat-resistant, with no throttling. BYD Atto 3 This budget-friendly EV impressed with strong cabin cooling and stable performance. Range drop was slightly higher—around 12%—but the battery didn't overheat thanks to BYD's 'Blade Battery' design. BMW iX Luxury met resilience. The iX's climate pre-conditioning meant we could step into a cool cabin even after leaving it in 48°C sun for two hours. However, rapid charging slowed marginally in the hottest part of the day. Hyundai Ioniq 5 A Gulf favorite, the Ioniq 5 balanced range and cooling efficiency well. We loved its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature, which powered a portable fan during a desert picnic—because why not? 5 Tips to Keep Your EV Cool in Gulf Summers 1. Pre-Cool Before Driving – Use your EV app to start the AC while still plugged in. 2. Park in Shade Whenever Possible – Even partial shade can save 5–10% battery drain. 3. Limit DC Fast Charging in Peak Heat – Charging slower during extreme midday heat can preserve battery life. 4. Check Tire Pressure – Hot asphalt can push PSI higher; overinflation impacts handling. 5. Stay Updated on Software – Manufacturers often push heat-optimization updates for battery management. The Verdict Yes—modern EVs can handle desert heat, but they demand smart driving habits and a little thermal TLC. Manufacturers have engineered advanced cooling systems, heat-resistant battery chemistries, and AI-powered thermal management to keep things smooth, even when the Gulf feels like an oven. As EV adoption in the Middle East accelerates, these tests prove that range anxiety in the heat is becoming a thing of the past—though your AC bill might still be high. FAQ Can electric vehicles (EVs) handle the extreme heat of Gulf summers? Yes, modern EVs can handle the extreme heat of Gulf summers, thanks to advanced cooling systems, heat-resistant battery chemistries, and AI-powered thermal management. However, smart driving habits and thermal care are recommended for optimal performance. What happens to EV batteries in extreme heat? Extreme heat can speed up battery degradation and temporarily reduce range. EV cooling systems also work harder, consuming more power, and running air-conditioning extensively can further impact range, especially in city traffic. How did the Tesla Model 3 Performance fare during the desert heat tests? The Tesla Model 3 Performance handled the heat exceptionally well, with its liquid-cooled battery system showing no issues. Range dropped by 7–10% during midday drives, and supercharging stations in the UAE operated without any throttling. How did the BYD Atto 3 perform under Gulf heat conditions? The BYD Atto 3 impressed with strong cabin cooling and stable performance. It experienced a slightly higher range drop of around 12%, but its 'Blade Battery' design prevented overheating. Did the BMW iX experience any issues in extreme heat? The BMW iX performed well, offering luxury and resilience. Its climate pre-conditioning made it comfortable even after being parked in 48°C sun for hours. However, rapid charging slowed slightly during peak heat. What stood out about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 during testing? The Hyundai Ioniq 5 balanced range and cooling efficiency effectively. Its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) feature allowed it to power external devices, like a portable fan during a desert picnic. What tips can help keep an EV cool in Gulf summers? Key tips include pre-cooling the car while it's still plugged in, parking in shade, limiting DC fast charging during midday heat, monitoring tire pressure, and updating EV software for heat optimization. Does running air conditioning in an EV significantly reduce its range? Yes, running air conditioning, especially at full blast, can reduce an EV's range, particularly during city commutes in intense heat. Are there any concerns about charging EVs in extreme heat? Charging in extreme heat can cause rapid charging to slow down to protect the battery. Limiting DC fast charging during peak heat is recommended to preserve the battery's lifespan. Is range anxiety still a significant concern for EV owners in the Middle East? Range anxiety in extreme heat is becoming less of a concern as manufacturers improve EV cooling systems and optimize performance for high temperatures. However, proper thermal management and smart driving habits are still critical.
