The electric vehicle (EV) industry in the Middle East is gaining momentum, with market players like BYD making bold moves to reshape transportation in the region. Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, shared his insights on the EV revolution during a recent interview with Mashable Mornings. From consumer adoption challenges to groundbreaking technologies, here’s how BYD is leading the charge.
Rising EV Interest Amid Market Hurdles
While EV adoption in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is still in its early stages, consumer interest is high. Surveys conducted by Al-Futtaim reveal that “between 65% to 85%” of consumers are open to purchasing EVs within the next 12-24 months. Yet, market penetration remains modest — 3-5% in the UAE and less than 1% in Saudi Arabia.
Nergiz attributes this to key barriers such as limited charging infrastructure, range anxiety, and challenging home charger installations in high-rise buildings. “The building hasn’t been built with that in mind,” he explained. “The cost of upgrading the power and putting all these cables is difficult.”
However, new government policies are accelerating infrastructure development. “The UAE now has about 800 public chargers, making it one of the top five globally in EV-to-charger ratios,” Nergiz said, highlighting how policy changes are encouraging private investments in charging infrastructure.
Building Trust Through Partnerships
Entering a new market can be daunting for any EV brand. When BYD first entered the Middle East, consumer trust was a challenge. Partnering with Al-Futtaim, a trusted local brand, proved crucial.
“We heard about BYD; we don’t know so much. The car is great, but I can’t trust it,” Nergiz recalled early consumer sentiment. “But if Al-Futtaim sells these cars, I can trust them.” This partnership helped BYD overcome skepticism and establish credibility in the region.
Tackling Saudi Arabia’s Unique Market
Saudi Arabia presents distinct logistical challenges due to its vast geography and long travel distances. The market is also less familiar with EV technology. However, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 targets 30% EV penetration in Riyadh, offering significant long-term potential.
“Saudi Arabia’s market is almost three times the size of the UAE,” Nergiz noted. “Despite the challenges, the government’s ambitious projects and policies make it a promising market for us.”
Innovation That Powers Progress
At the heart of BYD’s technological leadership is its Blade Battery — a design breakthrough in EV safety and performance. Unlike traditional batteries, Blade Batteries prevent overheating and can continue operating even after damage.
“If a nail penetrates into one of the blades, it automatically deactivates that blade,” Nergiz explained. “The car still continues to perform, ensuring safety and reliability.” This innovation helped BYD become the world’s top EV battery supplier.
A Vision for Sustainability
Environmental concerns often focus on EV battery recycling and lithium-ion extraction. Nergiz addressed these issues head-on. “It takes 15-20 years before a battery may need to be replaced,” he shared, adding that BYD works with global recycling partners to handle batteries responsibly.
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What’s Next: BYD’s EV Marvels
Looking ahead, BYD’s upcoming models promise to redefine EV expectations. The U8, capable of driving through water and performing 360-degree spins, and the U9, a supercar with a blistering 0-100 km/h acceleration of 2.4 seconds, are set to launch in 2025.
“We can’t wait to launch the U8,” Nergiz enthused. “It’s a performance beast and a social media darling.”
Passion and Leadership
For Nergiz, the EV journey is personal. A mechanical engineer by training, he transitioned from working with traditional automakers like BMW and Toyota to championing EVs. “Mobility is freedom,” he reflected. “You shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes, but of doing nothing. That’s how progress happens.”
With consumer interest rising, infrastructure evolving, and innovation accelerating, the future of EVs in the Middle East looks electrifying. As Nergiz emphasized, “It’s not about if — it’s about when.”