500–1,000 Ultra-Fast Chargers Planned by BYD

Saudi EV Infrastructure is entering a new phase of rapid growth as BYD Co. Ltd. announced plans to deploy between 500 and 1,000 ultra-fast charging stations across the Gulf. Executive Vice President Stella Li confirmed that the rollout will begin in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with one-megawatt charging units capable of delivering a 400-kilometer range in just five minutes.

This ambitious plan positions BYD as a key player in shaping the Kingdom’s electric mobility landscape. The company’s first step will be opening advanced showrooms in Saudi Arabia to showcase its EV lineup, signaling a long-term commitment to the region.

AI, Software, and Local Manufacturing on the Horizon

Beyond hardware, BYD has invested heavily in artificial intelligence and software development over the past three years. The company intends to bring engineers into Saudi Arabia to advance autonomous driving and parking technologies.

If market conditions align, BYD may also consider local manufacturing, which would further strengthen Saudi EV Infrastructure by creating supply chain resilience and supporting domestic job creation. Currently, BYD operates three branches each in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran, with plans to add seven new branches by 2026. The company forecasts sales of more than 5,000 vehicles in 2025, underscoring the growing demand for EVs in the Kingdom.

Blacklane and EVIQ Partnership Expands Fleet Charging

While BYD focuses on consumer charging, Blacklane and EVIQ are targeting fleet operations. Their partnership will expand Saudi EV Infrastructure by developing dedicated charging stations for vehicle fleets, including an integrated charging center at Blacklane’s new Gulf headquarters in Riyadh.

EVIQ, a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Saudi Electricity Co., is central to the Kingdom’s charging network strategy. By integrating its fast-charging network with Blacklane’s premium chauffeur-driven fleet, the partnership aims to set new benchmarks for sustainable mobility services.

Vision 2030 Targets: 30% EVs in Riyadh by 2030

Saudi EV Infrastructure development is closely tied to Vision 2030, which calls for 30% of vehicles in Riyadh to be electric by 2030. The Kingdom also aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, with ambitions to reach the target ahead of schedule.

Mohammed Bakr Gazzaz, CEO of EVIQ, emphasized that integrating national charging infrastructure with fleet operations will create a scalable, future-ready transport ecosystem. This alignment with Vision 2030 ensures that infrastructure growth is not just about technology but also about long-term sustainability.

Training Programs to Support Service Quality

As part of their collaboration, Blacklane and EVIQ will co-develop training programs under the Chauffeur Training Academy. These programs will focus on EV charging best practices, safety, and sustainability, ensuring that the workforce is prepared to support the expanding infrastructure.

This human-centered approach highlights that Saudi EV Infrastructure is not only about physical assets but also about building knowledge and operational excellence.

A Convergence of Global and Local Forces

The simultaneous efforts of BYD, Blacklane, and EVIQ illustrate how global automakers and local investors are converging to accelerate Saudi EV Infrastructure. BYD’s ultra-fast charging technology complements EVIQ’s national network, while Blacklane’s fleet integration ensures immediate utilization of these assets.

Together, these initiatives are transforming Saudi Arabia into a regional hub for electric mobility, with infrastructure that supports both consumer adoption and commercial operations.

Also Read: Saudi EV Infrastructure Targets 5,000 Chargers by 2030