Integrating Electric Mobility into Saudi Arabia’s Transportation Ecosystem
Issues
EV uptake remained low due to limited charging infrastructure, high upfront vehicle costs, and consumer concerns about range and reliability. Grid readiness varied by region, with unclear guidelines for public charger deployment. Fleet operators lacked incentive structures to transition from ICE to EVs. Public sector fleets had no coordinated electrification roadmap, and local manufacturers were not prepared to develop EV-compatible components or servicing capabilities.
Solution
We developed a national Electric Mobility Integration Plan encompassing infrastructure, regulation, market readiness, and stakeholder coordination. The plan outlined charger deployment zones, grid enhancement priorities, and fleet transition pathways. Incentive structures were proposed for both end-users and fleet operators. A supplier development framework was designed to help local businesses enter the EV ecosystem through parts manufacturing, charging solutions, and maintenance services.
Approach
- Analyzed EV adoption trends across 12 comparable global markets
- Modeled charger demand scenarios based on regional driving patterns
- Created site suitability maps for DC fast charger stations
- Designed public procurement guidelines for government EV fleet transition
- Proposed tariff models for residential and commercial charging
- Built training programs for EV mechanics, electricians, and roadside assistance
- Established local supplier scorecards to assess component readiness
Recommendations:
- Mandate EV-ready infrastructure in new residential and commercial buildings
- Offer tax rebates for fleet conversions and EV leasing programs
- Launch national certification for EV-compatible workshops and repair centers
- Deploy chargers at retail, highway, and logistics cluster locations
- Align utility investment planning with projected EV grid loads
- Monitor market uptake through real-time registration and charger usage dashboards
Engagement ROI
EV registrations increased by 73% year-on-year following the rollout of incentives and new infrastructure. Over 600 chargers were installed across six pilot cities. Public fleet electrification began with 1,200 vehicles, saving approximately SAR 18 million in fuel and maintenance annually. Local supplier participation in the EV ecosystem rose by 3.5x, creating 1,200 new jobs in the first 18 months of implementation.
