The preparations of Saudi Arabia to embrace the electric future

Jul 3, 2023, 11:25 AM
The preparations of Saudi Arabia to embrace the electric future

Electric cars are classified as vehicles that rely on an electric motor instead of the conventional internal combustion engine, which completely depends on burning fuel and gases to generate power. Over time, electric cars become an alternative to the currently used traditional cars. Undoubtedly, electric cars will help address the escalating pollution problem and global warming. Their use will contribute to preserving natural resources.

Although the concept of electric cars has existed for a long time, they have garnered significant interest in the past decade. This is due to the noticeable increase in carbon emissions and other environmental impacts caused by vehicles that rely on traditional fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Given the gradual shift in the global car market, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been an integral part of this transition. However, the question remains: What methods will the Kingdom adopt to embrace electric car models?

Saudi Arabia paves the way for EVs

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will work on dividing the landscape of embracing electric cars into three stages, as follows:

Government Support

The Saudi Arabian government pledges to offer EV owners sufficient support in the near future to encourage and promote the adoption of such vehicles. By providing facilities to both local and foreign investors, the responsible authorities are eager to boost EV investments. 

The country has previously hosted the Formula E electric car race, demonstrating its commitment to the electric direction by utilizing clean energy technologies and equipment.

Moreover, throughout various seasons, including the Hajj, Saudi Arabia has been using electric motor-based transportation. Self-driving electric buses that were powered by energy and AI were in operation at the time. These initiatives promote the country's long-term vision while attempting to change people's perceptions about transportation in the future.

Infrastructure Development

The Kingdom is focusing on building huge charging networks along the lengthy roadways in order to empower and upgrade its infrastructure. understanding that there may be extensive travel inside the Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia has adopted standards derived from countries that have embraced the electric future. The country has already included at least 16 charging stations across multiple regions, including four in Riyadh, offering both regular and fast charging options. The King Abdullah Economic City, specifically the "Auto City", serves as a significant step for the Kingdom, not only in embracing electric vehicles but also in manufacturing them. The Ceer factory in this city will introduce the first Saudi-made electric vehicle, marking a fundamental leap in the Kingdom's electric future, which is a part of its 2030 Vision.

Strategic Policies

Two essential elements that support the Kingdom's future goals are education and awareness. The government has started education efforts to spread awareness of the advantages of electric cars and the importance of converting to sustainable transportation.These initiatives aim to familiarize people with electric vehicle technology and address concerns related to owning one.

Furthermore, the recent international partnerships and collaborations undertaken by Saudi Arabia align with its strategic policies to enter the electric future. The country has collaborated with international car manufacturers, technology companies, and energy solution providers to bring expertise, investments, and advanced electric vehicle technologies to the country, thereby accelerating the electric transformation.  

In conclusion, it should be noted that the transformation to electric cars is still in its early stages, but the acceleration towards its escalation as a permanent means of transportation is ongoing. To be the first to stay updated on electric car news in Saudi Arabia and around the world, click here.

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