Electric Vehicles Gain Popularity in the GCC: Insights from a Survey

The Rise of Electric Vehicles in the GCC

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity across the GCC, with manufacturers from around the globe testing the waters and adding them to their model line-ups. With the perceived advantages they offer, everyone from taxi fleets to government organizations has started incorporating electric vehicles into their fleets, paving the way for the next big shift in the automotive industry.

Understanding Consumer Awareness through a Survey

As part of our dedication to helping car buyers make informed and cost-effective decisions, YallaMotor conducted an online survey to assess current awareness regarding Electric Vehicles in the Middle East. The survey aims to shed light on the pain points potential buyers face when purchasing an electric vehicle in our region.

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Insights from Industry Experts

Alan Whaley, Chairman of AMENA Automotive Association, spoke with Jorge Bialade – General Manager at YallaMotor, to understand more about this online survey and discuss consumer trends and behaviors. They also discussed the emerging trends and what the future holds for the industry, particularly with the emergence of Chinese brands as strong contenders in the EV segment.

Consumer Perceptions of EVs

During the discussion, Jorge rightly pointed out that the survey aimed to better understand the public’s perception of EVs and their readiness to purchase one. Buying and living with an electric vehicle raises many questions in consumers’ minds, including:

• Charging points
• Range anxiety
• Reliability

Survey Results: Key Findings

Of the 3,081 responses we collected, a significant 77% of participants claimed to have never driven an electric vehicle before. In contrast, 14% of respondents reported having driven a hybrid vehicle, while only 9% claimed to have driven a pure EV.

Those hesitant to purchase electric cars in the Middle East cited high initial costs and long recharging times as their primary concerns. Notably, nearly 25% of respondents expressed a lack of knowledge about electric vehicles, indicating a significant gap in awareness regarding electric mobility and its advantages.

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