RIYADH: Experts discussed the progress of electrification in the private vehicle market, noting that while advancements are being made, mass adoption has not yet been achieved.

Jonathan Spear, policy and strategy adviser at Atkins Realis, shared these insights during a keynote panel titled “How Electric Vehicles Can See Faster Commercial Adoption” at the EV Auto Show on Wednesday.

Key challenges facing the sector include high purchase prices driven by battery costs and the necessity for robust charging infrastructure. Spear pointed out that leading nations in electric vehicle adoption include China, Europe, and the US, while emerging economies are lagging due to the logistical difficulties of electrifying their vehicle fleets.

He emphasized that national regulations and city-level policies play a critical role in promoting the adoption of zero-emission fleets, particularly through public procurement strategies for cleaner vehicles and infrastructure.

Tony Mazzone, managing director at Electromin, highlighted the importance of government support in accelerating the development of EV charging infrastructure. He noted that the cost of electric vehicles remains significantly higher than that of diesel vehicles, largely due to the high expenses associated with technology and batteries.

Mazzone also mentioned that the electrification of larger trucks is progressing more slowly due to technological challenges. For instance, he explained that electrifying a 40-ton truck involves substantial battery weight, making the establishment of charging infrastructure along key routes equally demanding.

Looking ahead, Mazzone expressed optimism that advancements in technology, such as solid-state batteries, could address these challenges by 2030.

Vincent Jia, managing director at Yutong Trucks, discussed the company’s focus on three primary markets in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. He observed that Saudi Arabia’s electric truck market is slower to adopt compared to its neighbors, attributing this to the kingdom’s lower fuel prices.

Spear reiterated the importance of implementing the right policies, legislation, and national regulations to foster EV adoption in Saudi Arabia. He also stressed the need for openness to innovation and technological trials that suit the region’s climatic conditions.

In conclusion, Spear suggested that effective practices should consider the entire lifecycle of electric vehicles, including their construction and supply chain, to ensure a comprehensive approach to reducing carbon emissions.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s car rental and business-to-business sectors are expected to drive electric vehicle adoption in the coming two years, according to an industry leader. 

Speaking during a panel discussion at the EV Auto Show in Riyadh, Hashim Al-Fatayerji, regional executive director at Sixt, forecast a rise in EV dealerships across the Kingdom.

“In 2025 and 2026, we will see more adoption of EVs across the rental car and B2B sectors,” he said. 

Saudi Arabia aims to convert 30 percent of Riyadh’s vehicles to electric by 2030, part of a broader strategy to cut emissions in the capital by 50 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.   

Al-Fatayerji anticipates the opening of additional dealerships – including American and European brands – and increased local production of EVs by the end of 2026.

“This will be a game changer for the industry because it will change the dynamics of purchasing power in the market and where we are buying cars from,” he added. 

Al-Fatayerji also noted that Sixt is working closely with partners and suppliers to ensure operational efficiency and profitability.   

Nicolas Verneuil, managing director at Petromin Stellantis, emphasized the need for further progress in the EV sector.

“More needs to be done, of course, and until we reach the right level of capillarity, people will wonder, ‘Can I get quite the same driving experience with an EV as I do with my combustion engine?’” he said.  

Verneuil also highlighted the efforts of the government, the Public Investment Fund, and private companies in accelerating infrastructure development. 

Lisa Brigmann, president and CEO of AdvantEdge Engineering Group, discussed the role of automotive companies and rental businesses in EV adoption.

“I think that it would be really helpful for big automotive companies and even car rental companies to start helping customers envision how they can accept EVs into their daily lives,” she said.  

Brigmann also pointed out that while material costs for EVs remain high, the benefits of lower CO2 emissions are a significant driver. “When they rent or own a car, they are actually part of the solution to reducing emissions,” she added.  

In a separate panel, James Luxbacher, managing director at Sixt, addressed the pricing challenges of EVs.  

Luxbacher noted that the rapid decline in vehicle pricing makes it challenging for owners who plan to resell their vehicles after a certain period. “We need some more stability, and I think most of us are learning right now. It will get more stable in the future,” he said.  

The Sixt managing director also commented on the reliability of EVs, saying: “But again, it takes the infrastructure too if you want to go on longer trips with the truck. Particularly in last-mile delivery, we’ll see a big uptick in it.” 

The EV Auto Show, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, underscoring its commitment to EVs and sustainable technology.  

The event brings together automotive manufacturers, charging solution providers, policymakers, and consumers to explore the future of mobility. Attendees can engage with a range of EVs, charging solutions, and green technologies through interactive seminars and panel discussions.