Dubai, Feb 26 (IANS): Dubai public utility firm Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) Wednesday unveiled public charging stations for electric vehicles in Dubai.

The solar-powered charging stations were officially inaugurated at DEWA's headquarters in the emirate, Khaleej Times reported Wednesday.

DEWA MD and CEO Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer said that 16 stations have been opened in the first phase of the project, which is one of the three "Smart Dubai" initiatives announced by the firm last year.

These stations are located in DEWA's offices across the emirate and in the Dubai Silicon Oasis free trade zone. Each station facilitates charging of two cars at a time.

Three cars, one hybrid and two electric, were charged at the stations at the DEWA headquarters during the inauguration ceremony.

DEWA aims to open 100 electric car charging stations by the end of this year. The authority is in talks with electric car manufacturers and private developers for boosting the presence of electric cars and their charging stations in the emirate.

Compared to cars powered by petrol, electric cars help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. They also require very less maintenance.

However, they require greater initial investments and take a long time to get charged. These have been the factors that have hindered their popularity.

With more charging facilities in public spaces, DEWA aims to encourage more people to use electric cars and contribute to a sustainable environment in Dubai.