Conclusion of the EV Auto Show in Riyadh

CEER “Towards Building Supplier Ecosystem to Support Development of Competitive Automotive Industrial Cluster in KSA” 

Johnny Saldanha, Chief Purchasing & Supply Chain Officer, CEER

Under the patronage of the Ministry of Investment, the third edition of the Electric Vehicle Auto Show 2024 was successfully inaugurated by Dr. Omaima Bamaseq, Deputy of the General Authority for Transport Empowerment, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The event, held from September 17 to 19, 2024, saw an impressive turnout, exceeding expectations, with attendees including government officials, industry leaders, and international guests, reflecting the growing global interest in Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle market.

The event was marked by the participation of over 70 leading companies in the electric vehicle sector and representation from 30 countries, making the show an international platform for engagement and collaboration. More than 60 expert speakers and industry leaders took part in sessions, adding tremendous value to discussions on the future of electric mobility and the challenges surrounding the adoption of this advanced technology.

The event received strong support from major sponsors, including Electromin as the title sponsor, platinum sponsors EVIQ and Zahid Tractor, and gold sponsor Volt Charge. Industry leaders like PwC, Formula E, and Tasaru, along with knowledge partners such as Frost & Sullivan, Roland Berger, and Saudi Electricity Company, also played a significant role in the event’s success.

The show, recognized as the most prominent platform for electric mobility in the Kingdom, plays a pivotal role in the sector’s growth in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. This vision aims to promote the use of electric vehicles, with Saudi Arabia’s EV imports rising by 271% in 2023 as part of the nation’s ambitious plans to increase the proportion of electric vehicles in Riyadh to 30% by 2030 and produce 500,000 EVs locally.

During the event, attention was drawn to the latest innovations and technologies accelerating the transition to sustainable electric mobility. The show also facilitated the signing of new strategic partnerships and key investments that will contribute to the sector’s growth. Attendees had a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge developments through interactive workshops, panel discussions with global experts, and test drives of electric vehicles, enriching their overall experience.

One of the standout sessions was titled "Charging Ahead: Building the Backbone of Saudi Arabia's EV Revolution." Moderated by Wulf Schlachter, CEO of DXBe Management, the session brought together leading experts and industry executives to discuss the importance of developing the necessary infrastructure to support the rapid growth of electric vehicles in the Kingdom. The discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities in accelerating the establishment of charging stations, enhancing the electrical grid’s capacity, and ensuring the sustainability of this transformation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

As the third successful edition of the show concluded, Saudi Arabia is now gearing up to host the fourth edition from October 28 to 30, 2025. The EV Auto Show is expected to continue playing a major role in driving the shift towards sustainable electric mobility, in line with the national transformation goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

About the EV Auto Show:

The 3rd edition of the EV Auto Show will take place from September 17th to 19th, 2024, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. This show is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in Saudi Arabia and is one of the premier regional exhibitions dedicated to electric mobility and technology.