EV Grants and Infrastructure in Bahrain

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Bahrain, a rapidly modernizing country, is implementing bold initiatives in the field of electric vehicles. As the world shifts toward more sustainable solutions, Bahrain is no exception and has introduced attractive subsidies to encourage its citizens to opt for more eco-friendly vehicles.

With a dedicated and continuously growing infrastructure, the kingdom now facilitates access to modern and efficient charging stations, thereby strengthening its transition toward a greener future. These efforts illustrate Bahrain’s proactive vision for sustainability and energy innovation, attracting the attention of investors and consumers eager for change.

Steps to Obtain Green Subsidies in Bahrain

Eligibility Criteria for Green Subsidies on Electric Vehicles

• Subsidies primarily target new electric vehicles (passenger cars, light utility vehicles, and sometimes two-wheelers and buses depending on the programs).
• The vehicle must be certified compliant with international energy efficiency and emission reduction standards, in line with Bahrain’s Vision 2030.
• Applicants must be:
  • Bahraini residents or citizens,
  • Hold a valid driver’s license,
  • Provide proof of vehicle purchase from an authorized dealer.

Application Process

1. Complete the official form available from government agencies or online.
2. Submit the application:
   • Either physically at designated offices (Electricity and Water Authority, Tamkeen),
   • Or via the government’s digital platform.
3. Required documents:
   • Identification
   • Proof of residence
   • Pro-forma invoice for the electric vehicle
   • Manufacturer’s certificate proving environmental compliance
4. Deadlines:
   • Submission must occur before final vehicle registration.
   • Processing takes between 30 to 60 business days.

Responsible Agencies or Organizations

Organization	Specific Role	Contact Information
Electricity and Water Authority (EWA)	Technical validation and funding management	Manama, +973 XX XXX XXXX
Tamkeen	Financial support for businesses and individuals	Manama, contact@tamkeen.bh
Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications	Regulatory oversight and charging infrastructure	Manama, +973 XX XXX XXXX

Financial Incentives and Tax Reductions

• Direct discount on purchase price up to 20% for certain certified EV models
• Partial or full exemption from import duties on new electric vehicles
• Annual tax rebates on ownership/usage for a set period after purchase

Verification and Approval Steps

1. Administrative verification: review of supporting documents by EWA/Tamkeen
2. Technical inspection: validation that the vehicle meets Bahrain’s established environmental criteria
3. Final approval: official notification to the beneficiary with direct financial disbursement/support or tax rebate applied during registration

Average processing time:
Between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on application complexity.

Follow-up procedure:
The beneficiary receives a unique tracking number for online monitoring; option to directly contact a dedicated unit within the relevant agencies.

Concrete Examples / Testimonials

“After submitting my application to Tamkeen in early January, I received an immediate discount on purchase plus an annual tax exemption.”

— Ali M., resident of Muharraq

“Thanks to substantial public support for my professional project involving multiple green utility EVs in my logistics fleet, I benefited not only from financial assistance but also simplified administrative handling.”

— Fatima S., entrepreneur

Recent or Expected Changes in Legislation/Policy

• Expected strengthening by mid-2025: expansion to plug-in hybrid vehicles; possible increase in maximum subsidy cap.
• Progressive introduction since early 2025 of stricter standards aligned with international ESG (Environmental-Social-Governance).
• Potential impact: easier access for local SMEs; anticipated rise in applications through national campaign to democratize electric mobility.

• Planned extension to private/home chargers by end of 2025
• Announced administrative simplification during Q4/2025

Development of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

The current state of charging infrastructure in Bahrain is characterized by a rapidly growing but still limited network, primarily concentrated in urban centers and certain strategic locations. To date, about ten public fast-charging stations have been installed since 2021, notably at Atrium Mall (Saar), Seef District, Isa Town, and in major hotels like Hilton Bahrain (Juffair) and InterContinental Bahrain. Geographic distribution favors high-traffic areas and main corridors.

Location	Station Type	Max Power
Atrium Mall (Saar)	Fast	360 kW
Seef District	Solar/Fast	Not disclosed
Isa Town	Solar/Fast	Not disclosed
Hilton Juffair	Fast	Up to 22 kW
InterContinental	Standard	Not disclosed

Government initiatives align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and aim to accelerate electric vehicle adoption through development of an integrated ecosystem. The Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) launched several pilot projects since February 2023 including installation of five additional fast-charging stations. Strategic public-private partnerships are established with international players like ABB (via Kanoo Power Solutions), as well as with the hospitality sector and BNET to deploy innovative solutions such as solar charging.

List of Recent Initiatives:

• EWA–ABB agreement for five fast-charging stations.
• National platform goEV.bh to map and facilitate access to charging points.
• Gradual deployment across thirty Internet Exchange sites via BNET.
• Involvement of Ministry of Commerce in regulating charger import/sales.

Regarding financial incentives or subsidies:
Specific measures directly targeting private or commercial installation remain limited. Encouragement mainly takes the form of simplified regulatory support, dedicated insurance for electric vehicles by Bahrain National Insurance, and facilitated access to existing public programs.

Main Identified Challenges:

• Regulatory framework still incomplete regarding technical standards and pricing.
• Lack of substantial tax incentives for individuals/businesses wanting to install their own infrastructure.
• Urban concentration, lack of coverage in rural/peripheral areas.
• Relative lack of public awareness about reliability/speed of available solutions.

Future Goals & Planned Projects:

The roadmap outlines phased expansion between 2025–2030:

1. Pilot deployment on strategic urban/hotel corridors between 2025–2027
2. Extension to residential/public areas after 2027
3. Complete optimized network post–2030

The government aims for coherent national coverage before the end of the decade to support its carbon neutrality ambitions by 2060.

Regional Comparison:

Country	Estimated Public Chargers (2025)	Geographic Coverage
Bahrain	~10	Main urban centers
United Arab Emirates	>600	Urban areas + highways
Saudi Arabia	>150	Major metropolitan areas

Bahrain lags behind regional leaders like Dubai or Riyadh which already have dense networks covering both cities and highways; however, the country is gradually catching up through institutional commitment and local private sector dynamism.

Summary of Key Points:

• Embryonic but dynamic network centered on Manama/Saar.
• Public deployments supported by PPPs with ABB/Kanoo/BNet/Hilton.
• Direct financial incentives still rare – primarily regulatory support.
• Challenges: technical standardization/pricing/rural coverage.
• National targets aligned with long-term carbon neutrality.

Benefits of Green Incentives for Drivers in Bahrain

Green incentives in Bahrain offer direct economic benefits to drivers, particularly through subsidies for electric vehicle purchases, support for green infrastructure installation, and advantageous tax measures.

Main Economic Benefits for Drivers:

• Investment subsidies for electric vehicle (EV) integration, including financial aid facilitating acquisition or use.
• Preferential financing offered by authorities (notably through Electricity and Water Authority) and banking partners, reducing total purchase or ownership cost.
• Reduced energy costs, as electric charging remains more economical than traditional fossil fuels thanks to public support for green energy tariffs.
• Future possibility of partial exemptions on certain taxes related to clean vehicles.

Economic Benefit	Description
Direct subsidies	Financial assistance to purchase or convert an electric vehicle.
Preferential financing	Preferential loans and banking facilities dedicated to green technologies.
Reduced energy costs	Increased use of local renewable energy (solar), cheaper than imported refined oil.

These incentives strongly encourage drivers to choose more environmentally friendly vehicles: they lower the financial entry barrier for individuals and businesses wanting to switch to all-electric, making these options attractive compared to conventional combustion models.

Positive Impact on Society and Environment:

• The transition to EVs directly contributes to significant carbon emission reduction, in line with national targets set in Vision 2030 (5% renewable electricity by 2025, 10% by 2035).
• Expected improvement in local air quality reduces health risks associated with atmospheric pollution, thus promoting better public health.
• Rapid development of clean vehicle fleet aligns Bahrain with its international climate commitments and strengthens its green image among foreign investors.

Specific Examples Implemented by Bahraini Government:

• Direct subsidy for EV integration in certain new or renovated real estate projects.
• Subsidized pilot programs: public solar charging stations, shared infrastructure in new urban areas.
• Tamkeen offers partial coverage of energy audit costs for private or professional green investments.

These measures fully integrate into national policy aiming:

• To diversify the energy mix,
• To drastically reduce oil dependency,
• And to position Bahrain as a regional pioneer in sustainable economy.

Associated Social Benefits:

Reduced urban exposure to fine particles from traditional road traffic,

resulting in:

• Proven decrease in respiratory diseases
• Potential relief for national healthcare system

These measures actively contribute not only to individual economic well-being but also collective welfare, while enhancing the kingdom’s growing international ecological standing.