Welcome to UAE CAR UPDATE. Upcoming Electric & Hybrid Cars in UAE 2026 — Rivian R2, Volvo ES90, XPENG P7 We are here to tell you about this because 2026 is going to be a busy year in the automotive world of the UAE. All the companies, big and small, are interested in bringing new EV and hybrid cars. Charging stations are already spreading on the roads of Dubai-Abu Dhabi—now it seems that new chargers are being installed every day!
People are rapidly switching from petrol-diesel to electric cars. Low cost, low maintenance and smooth drive—no one is thinking like before. So brands are also ready to launch one car after another in the market in 2026, seeing the opportunity.
Let’s see which electric and hybrid cars are coming to the UAE market in 2026 and which ones are already in the discussion.
1. Rivian R2 — Affordable Electric SUV
Rivian’s most hyped electric SUV—the R2—will create a stir in the entire automobile world when it enters the global market in 2026. And then there is a great possibility of it coming to the UAE as well, because the demand for both adventure SUVs and premium EVs is skyrocketing here.
Although the car looks compact, it has brought back the old Rivian DNA in style, range and off-road capabilities. So the R2 will easily adapt to the desert drive, weekend trip and city use of the UAE.
In short, if the R2 is real, it can be said that it will ignite a new fire in the EV segment in the UAE market.
Key Highlights
✔ Mid-size electric adventure SUV
✔ Dual & Tri-motor options
✔ Estimated 500–560 km range
✔ Advanced off-road mode
✔ Huge storage + rugged design
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | Late 2026 |
| Expected UAE Price | AED 160,000 – 190,000 |
| Powertrain | Dual / Tri-Motor |
| Range | 500–560 km |
2. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid — Family Hybrid SUV
A solid piece of good news for Toyota-Hybrid lovers—the Grand Highlander Hybrid is most likely coming to the UAE, and it’s actually what families have been waiting for for a long time.
The car is large, comfortable, with 3-row seating—perfect for family trips, school drop-offs, long drives. On top of that, Toyota’s hybrid system means good mileage, low maintenance, and no need to worry about reliability at all.
For those in the UAE who want a large SUV but want to keep their petrol costs low—the Grand Highlander Hybrid is a godsend.
Features
✔ 7/8-seater hybrid SUV
✔ 2.4L turbo-hybrid system
✔ Fuel economy-friendly
✔ Toyota reliability
✔ Large boot space
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | March 2026 |
| Expected UAE Price | AED 170,000 – 210,000 |
| Powertrain | Turbo-Hybrid |
| Seating | 7 / 8-seater |
3. Chevrolet Captiva EV — Affordable Electric SUV
Chevrolet is making a pretty aggressive move in the UAE, and as part of that, they’re bringing the Captiva EV. It’s essentially an electric version of the popular Captiva—meaning the same family-friendly size, but with full EV efficiency.
For those looking for a budget-friendly electric SUV in the UAE, the Captiva EV could be a solid option. The driving range is good, maintenance is low, and with Chevrolet’s network, there are fewer service worries.
Simply put—the Captiva EV will be a practical, family electric SUV at an affordable price.
Features
✔ Budget-friendly EV
✔ 400–450 km estimated range
✔ Family-sized interior
✔ Modern digital cockpit
✔ Fast charging support
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | Mid 2026 |
| Expected UAE Price | AED 85,000 – 110,000 |
| Range | 400–450 km |
| Type | Budget Electric SUV |
4.Volvo ES90 — Luxury Electric Sedan
Volvo’s next-generation luxury sedan, the ES90, could be one of the most premium electric sedans in 2026. Since Volvo is top-class in safety, comfort and clean Scandinavian design, the ES90 will take that level to the next level.
It is expected to be an all-electric future-ready version of the S90—with more range, a larger battery, a smoother ride and advanced AI safety tech. For those looking for a premium electric sedan in the UAE, the ES90 could be a real highlight.
Highlights
✔ 600+ km long range
✔ Scandinavian luxury interior
✔ Extreme heat-proof battery tech
✔ Safety-first AI systems
✔ Silent & comfortable ride
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | December 2026 |
| Expected UAE Price | AED 260,000 – 320,000 |
| Range | 600+ km |
| Battery | Heat-proof EV battery tech |
5.XPENG P7 — Smart Performance Electric
Chinese premium EV brand XPENG is now gaining popularity in the UAE. Their flagship electric sedan XPENG P7 is also likely to arrive in the UAE in 2026. The car is a big hit in China for its sleek design, long-range battery and smart tech—it will also attract a lot of attention when it comes to the UAE market.
Features
✔ Sleek sporty design
✔ Up to 500+ km range
✔ Lidar-based autonomous driving
✔ 0–100 km/h in ~4 seconds
✔ Ultra-comfort cabin
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | December 2026 |
| Expected UAE Price | AED 140,000 – 170,000 |
| Range | 500+ km |
| Performance | 0–100 km/h ~4 sec |
6.Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid — Rugged Hybrid SUV
This is a great option for those who want adventure and fuel efficiency together. It can be relied on everywhere – city, highway or light off-road – and is also very affordable from the pocket.
Highlights
✔ Hybrid rugged SUV
✔ Subaru symmetrical AWD
✔ Off-road X-Mode
✔ Reliable hybrid powertrain
✔ Family-friendly SUV
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | April 2026 |
| Expected UAE Price | AED 120,000 – 150,000 |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Drive | AWD (Symmetrical) |
7.BYD Sealion 6 — Feature-Packed Hybrid SUV
BYD is now very popular in the Middle East, and is almost at the top in demand. So in 2026 they are bringing the Sealion 6 Hybrid SUV—which will be one of their most powerful and premium hybrid options.
Features
✔ Long hybrid range
✔ AI driving features
✔ Premium interior
✔ Stylish design
✔ BYD’s ultra-safe battery tech
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Expected Launch | May 2026 |
| Expected UAE Price | AED 110,000 – 135,000 |
| Powertrain | Hybrid |
| Tech | AI Driving + Safety Battery |
Why 2026 is the Biggest Year for EV & Hybrid Cars in UAE?
The EV market in the UAE is set to take off in 2026.
As fast charging stations are rapidly increasing, the RTA and the UAE government are strengthening EV-friendly policies. Due to rising fuel prices, people are paying less attention to petrol, and EV adoption is gradually increasing.
More affordable EV options are coming to the market, and luxury brands are also gradually entering the EV market—creating a whole new opportunity for buyers.
All in all, 2026 will be the perfect time for EV buyers in the UAE—for everything from city driving, long-distance trips, or luxury experiences.
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