EVIQ, BYD Sign Deal To Expand Saudi Arabias EV Charging Network 

RIYADH: High-speed electric vehicle charging stations are set to be installed at Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility locations across Saudi Arabia, thanks to a new deal to boost the industry.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co. — a joint venture between Saudi Electricity Co. and the Public Investment Fund — and Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, which has a partnership with Chinese firm BYD.

EVIQ is planning to deploy more than 5,000 charging stations in strategic locations by 2030, as the Kingdom seeks to become a leader in the EV industry.

Global projections suggest that eco-friendly vehicles will account for 50 percent of car sales by 2035, making the country’s electrification efforts critical in shaping the future of mobility.

EVIQ CEO Mohammad Gazzaz, highlighted that the partnership with BYD marks a step toward transforming Saudi Arabia’s transportation landscape.

“By combining our expertise in fast-charging infrastructure with BYD’s expertise in electric mobility, we aim to deliver an unparalleled EV charging experience for EV owners in the Kingdom, contributing to the nation’s sustainability goals and Vision 2030 agenda,” he said.

Badr Khojandi, general manager of BYD Saudi Arabia, said that strategic collaborations such as this are key to shaping a greener, more sustainable future for the Kingdom.

He added: “The partnership between BYD and EVIQ aligns with our shared vision of driving sustainable mobility through cutting-edge EV technology and infrastructure.”

In addition to expanding its charging network, EVIQ’s research and development facility in Riyadh will support this initiative by testing and refining technologies tailored to the Saudi market, ensuring that all solutions are compatible, efficient, and meet the highest safety standards.

BYD sold over 3 million new energy vehicles worldwide in 2023 while Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, a subsidiary of the Al-Futtaim Group, focuses on advancing sustainable mobility solutions across the Middle East.

Earlier this month, EV manufacturer Lucid Motors became the first global automotive company to join the Kingdom’s “Made in Saudi” program as the country continues strengthening its industrial capabilities. 

This milestone allows Lucid to use the “Saudi Made” label on its products, reflecting the Kingdom’s emphasis on quality and innovation. 

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to the gross domestic product to at least 20 percent by 2025 while also attracting investments, boosting non-oil exports, and creating sustainable job opportunities, all in line with the goals of Vision 2030’s economic diversification plan.