Saudi Arabia’s Electric Future: Aramco and BYD Join Hands

Saudi Arabia : Saudi Arabia takes a bold leap into electric mobility through a major partnership between Aramco and Chinese EV giant BYD.

• The deal supports Vision 2030 and targets 30% EV adoption in 5 years.
• R&D centers and tech localization are part of the long-term strategy.
• Tesla’s expansion adds competition to the growing Saudi EV market.

In a decisive move to reshape the country’s auto landscape, Saudi Arabia’s Aramco has joined forces with China’s BYD, a leading name in electric vehicles. This collaboration is part of the broader push under Vision 2030 to reduce oil dependency, embrace sustainability, and build a cleaner transport system.

Announced during a key transformation period for the Kingdom’s automotive sector, the partnership reflects Saudi Arabia’s aim to emerge as a central hub for green mobility in the GCC. With Tesla making strong inroads into the Saudi market, this new alliance adds momentum to the Kingdom’s ambitious EV plans.

Accelerating the Electric Drive Across KSA

Saudi Arabia is aiming to increase electric vehicle adoption from 1% to 30% in just five years. This bold goal is part of the Aramco-BYD collaboration, which focuses on:

• Developing advanced low-emission vehicles tailored for local and global use.
• Introducing innovative technologies fit for the GCC’s road conditions.
• Supporting local green transport ecosystems.
• Promoting clean energy alternatives to reduce fuel dependency.

The agreement’s timing is strategic, as Tesla continues to open showrooms across Saudi Arabia. While Tesla focuses on expansion, Aramco and BYD seek to innovate and adapt EV technology specifically for Saudi needs.

Driving Innovation Through Local Expertise

Ali Al-Mashari, Senior Vice President for Technical Coordination at Aramco, said the agreement builds on “extensive research efforts focused on developing advanced powertrain systems and enhancing the efficiency of internal combustion engines by utilizing low emission fuels.”

He added that BYD’s strength in electric vehicle production, combined with Aramco’s local expertise, will help deliver smart, high-performance mobility solutions.

Lu Hongbin, Senior Vice President at BYD, noted that the deal would “overcome geographical and conceptual barriers,” blending top-tier technology with sustainability. This unity is expected to produce electric vehicles that serve not just Saudi Arabia, but also wider regional markets.

A Blueprint for the Future of Local Tech and Jobs

This partnership is not only about vehicles but also about building a foundation for long-term tech growth in the Kingdom. The plan includes setting up research and development centers within Saudi Arabia to create a localized EV industry from the ground up.

The agreement also aligns with the government’s push to localize jobs in modern sectors like artificial intelligence and smart mobility. With a focus on software development, clean transport systems, and green engineering, the Kingdom expects this move to spark new job creation and attract global investment into its EV ecosystem.

A Strategic Step Toward Sustainable Leadership

The Aramco-BYD partnership signals a serious step in Saudi Arabia’s journey to become a clean transport leader in the region. As EV competition grows with players like Tesla, the Kingdom’s focus on innovation, tech localization, and green energy ensures it is not just keeping pace—but setting the tone for the future.