RIYADH: The first day of the Riyadh EV Auto Show saw significant progress in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward sustainable transport, with major fleet decarbonization agreements being signed. 

The event brought together industry leaders to showcase their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and embracing green technology.

Dubai-based logistics services company J&T Express Middle East was among the first to make an announcement, signing an agreement with the Saudi National Transportation Solutions Company to embark on its fleet decarbonization journey. 

As a concrete step toward this goal, J&T Express is taking delivery of 10 electric vans to support their logistics needs. This transition to electric vehicles underscores the company’s dedication to sustainability and aligns with the Kingdom’s larger vision of environmental responsibility and reducing the carbon footprint in the logistics sector.

Saudi Bulk Transfer, a leading player in the transportation sector, has also committed to a multi-year decarbonization roadmap in partnership with NTSC and Jeddah-based smart mobility solutions provider Electromin. 

As part of this ambitious plan, SBT is initially taking delivery of four electric trucks, marking the beginning of a larger fleet transformation. This highlights the growing trend of electrification in the heavy transport sector.

Rotana Waterfront has partnered with Electromin to enhance EV infrastructure in Jeddah. This agreement encompasses the ownership, installation, operation, and maintenance of public EV chargers at the Jeddah Corniche Waterfront development.

The initiative signifies an important step in expanding the accessibility of electric vehicle charging stations in key urban areas, supporting the Kingdom’s push toward a more sustainable future.

These initiatives come at a time when Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in promoting electric mobility, as highlighted by recent government policies and investment in EV infrastructure. 

The Kingdom is actively working to reduce its carbon emissions and achieve a more sustainable future. The push for electric vehicles is a key component of this strategy, with the Kingdom aiming to have 30 percent of all vehicles in Riyadh electric by 2030. 

This aligns with the broader goals of Vision 2030, which include reducing dependency on oil and promoting environmental sustainability.

The agreements signed by J&T Express Middle East, SBT, and Rotana Waterfront and Electromin, signal a growing momentum in the adoption of electric vehicles for commercial and public use. 

The shift toward electrification in logistics, transportation, and public infrastructure marks a significant step in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices.

As Saudi Arabia continues to advance its electric mobility initiatives, the commitments made at the Riyadh EV Auto Show and partnerships, like the one between Rotana Waterfront and Electromin, represent crucial steps in achieving a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

RIYADH: The Saudi government holds the key to developing the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicles, a top official said on the first day of the EV Auto Show underway in Riyadh.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled “Charging Ahead: Building the Backbone of Saudi Arabia’s EV Revolution,” Mansour Al-Makahlas, head of the eMobility division at Solutions Valley, a part of Saudi Electric Co., outlined the essential steps needed to advance the market.

Al-Makahlas stressed the importance of expanding charging infrastructure to encourage participation from chief product officers.

“In order to attract users to come to Saudi (Arabia) or to buy this vehicle, they need to release the incentive. They need to build more charging stations; they need to support the CPO to get into this market.”

He continued:, “There must be an incentive from the government, such as the case in Europe and the US. CPOs know that the return on investment is long-term. It’s not short-term. So an incentive must be there.”

During the same discussion, Alhareth Al-Hisan, founder and CEO of iCharge, noted that Saudi Arabia has a strong foundation for EV adoption globally. “It has the grid capacity, it has the political will, and it has the ability for the customer to spend on the expensive electric vehicle.”

Al-Hisan pointed out that planning is a primary concern in the regional EV industry and suggested that Saudi Arabia could benefit from Europe’s approach to infrastructure development. “When the infrastructure for electric vehicles started in Europe, it was heavily planned and very detailed where to place them, how to place them,” he said.

Wolfgang Ademmer, chief marketing officer at the sustainable mobility firm Alpitronic, also encouraged Saudi Arabia to follow Europe’s lead. “There’s a learning from Europe for other markets. I’m always a big fan of shortcutting learning curves, and we can do this in Saudi Arabia.”

Ademmer emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to support industry participants and ensure their success in the EV sector. “Coming up with a clear plan, giving confidence to all market players, including those inherently starting the business right now. Encourage them to stay and invest with the right guidelines, and then also convince, subsequently, the users, the car drivers, to use and to drive EVs.”

Li Bo, vice president of Huawei Digital Power Strategy and Marketing for the Middle East and Central Asia, and director of Huawei EV Charging Business for the same region, predicted a rise in the vehicle-to-EV charging ratio.

Li noted that renewable energy development is advancing in Saudi Arabia and expects that new regulations will lead to a greater focus on renewable sources and storage solutions for EV charging stations.

Toward the end of the panel discussion, Al-Makahlas predicted significant growth in the EV market. “So, I believe that the market will double by next year. You will be shocked by next year; I can guarantee you.”

The EV Auto Show in Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, highlighting its commitment to electric vehicles and sustainable technology. The exhibition serves as a key event for the Kingdom’s burgeoning EV ecosystem, attracting 10,000 attendees from 50 countries, including industry leaders, automotive manufacturers, charging solution providers, and policymakers, to discuss the future of mobility in the region.