iCar V23 Buying Guide: Electric SUV Ownership Costs & Charging Setup

iCar V23 Buying Guide: Electric SUV Ownership Costs & Charging Setup

Buying the iCar V23 AWD is only the start - understanding what it costs to run and charge is what makes electric ownership rewarding. At 66,000 AED the AWD is already one of the most affordable dual-motor EVs in the UAE, and its low running costs make the case even stronger. This guide walks through purchase finance, home and public charging setup, and a full five-year cost breakdown.

Updated August 2026.

iCar V23 AWD

Starting Price: 66,000 AED

Body Style: SUV

The dual-motor AWD version of Chery's iCar V23, delivering 211 hp and 292 Nm through all four wheels with a 501 km WLTC range. It combines genuine off-road capability with a full ADAS suite, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a 540-degree camera at a price that shames every rival.

Key Highlights

• Dual-motor AWD with 211 hp / 292 Nm, 0-100 in 7.5s
• 81.8 kWh battery with 501 km WLTC range
• Full ADAS: AEB, ACC, LKA, BSD, 540-degree camera
• Off-road mode with hill descent control
• Heated & ventilated leather seats, 8-year / 200,000 km warranty

Best for: Adventure-seeking buyers who want dual-motor EV performance with off-road ability.

Purchase Price & Finance

The iCar V23 AWD is priced at 66,000 AED, which undercuts comparable dual-motor electric SUVs by tens of thousands of dirhams. Chery dealers in the UAE typically offer finance plans with 20% down, meaning roughly 13,200 AED upfront and the balance over four to five years. Monthly payments usually land between 1,100 and 1,400 AED depending on the interest rate and term.

Insurance for a 66,000 AED electric SUV generally costs 2,500-3,500 AED per year for comprehensive cover, comparable to a similarly priced petrol SUV. Some insurers offer EV-specific policies that include battery cover, so it is worth shopping around. The 8-year / 200,000 km warranty also keeps repair risk low during the finance period.

Home Charging Setup Guide

The iCar V23 supports AC charging at up to 6.6 kW, which fully recharges the 81.8 kWh battery from empty in roughly 12-13 hours - ideal for an overnight top-up at home. A dedicated home wall box is the recommended setup, costing around 1,500-3,000 AED including installation by a licensed electrician.

For most owners, plugging in each evening means you wake up to a full battery every morning, eliminating the need to visit public chargers for daily driving. DEWA and other utility providers offer EV home-charging permits and Green Charger meter connections that simplify the process. Make sure your parking spot has access to a dedicated circuit to avoid overloading a shared supply.

Public Charging in UAE

When you need a faster top-up, the iCar V23 AWD supports DC fast charging that takes the battery from 20% to 80% in around 42 minutes. UAE public charging is well developed, with networks including DEWA Green Charger, Tesla Supercharger (via adapter where compatible), Regeny, ION and Charge&Go stations across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Public AC and DC charging rates typically range from 0.40 to 0.70 AED per kWh depending on the network and speed. A full fast-charge session from 20% to 80% therefore costs roughly 20-35 AED for about 300 km of added range - a fraction of what you would spend on petrol for the same distance.

5-Year Running Cost Breakdown

Over five years and 100,000 km, the iCar V23 AWD's electricity costs are dramatically lower than petrol. At an average home charging rate of roughly 0.30 AED per kWh and 15 kWh/100 km efficiency, you spend about 45 AED per 100 km - versus 60-80 AED for a petrol compact SUV doing 8 L/100 km at 3.00 AED per litre. Over 100,000 km that is roughly 45,000 AED in electricity against 70,000 AED in petrol, saving around 25,000 AED.

Service costs are also lower because EVs have fewer moving parts: no oil changes, fewer brake pad replacements thanks to regenerative braking, and simpler drivetrain checks. Budget roughly 500-800 AED per year for tyre rotations, cabin filter and brake fluid. Add insurance at 2,500-3,500 AED per year and the iCar V23's total five-year running cost sits comfortably below that of any comparable petrol SUV.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Electricity is roughly half the cost of petrol per km
• Home overnight charging means daily 'full tank'
• DC fast charge 20-80% in 42 minutes
• Low service costs - no oil changes
• 8-year / 200,000 km warranty limits repair risk

Cons

• Home wall box installation costs 1,500-3,000 AED
• Boot is small for long family trips at 280 L
• Public DC charging slower than 800V rivals
• Service network still growing outside major cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to charge the iCar V23 AWD at home?

At roughly 0.30 AED per kWh, a full charge of the 81.8 kWh battery costs about 25 AED for up to 501 km of WLTC range - far cheaper than a petrol fill-up.

How long does home charging take?

With a 6.6 kW AC wall box, a full charge from empty takes about 12-13 hours, which suits an overnight routine for daily driving.

How fast is public DC fast charging?

The iCar V23 AWD supports DC fast charging that takes the battery from 20% to 80% in around 42 minutes at a compatible public station.

Is the iCar V23 cheaper to run than a petrol SUV?

Yes. Over 100,000 km you can save roughly 25,000 AED in fuel costs alone, plus lower service costs thanks to fewer moving parts and regenerative braking.

Verdict

The iCar V23 AWD is one of the most cost-effective electric SUVs to own in the UAE. Its 66,000 AED purchase price is competitive, home charging slashes fuel bills, and minimal servicing keeps long-term costs low. Add the 8-year warranty and a mature UAE public charging network, and the financial case for switching to the V23 is very strong.