Growing Interest in Electric Vehicles in UAE and Saudi Arabia

Survey Overview

In a survey conducted by Morning Consult, commissioned by General Motors Africa & Middle East, it was revealed that two thirds of vehicle owners in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are eager to explore the benefits of EV adoption. The survey aimed to examine the awareness and attitude of the people in the region towards EV infrastructure development.

Key Findings

Long-term Affordability and Awareness

With 69% of adults in KSA and 73% of adults in UAE finding the long-term affordability of EVs to be desirable, the survey also revealed a keen interest in EV adoption. The survey showed a very high level of general awareness of electric vehicles:

• 95% of respondents in the UAE report knowledge of fully electric vehicles.
• 93% of respondents in KSA are aware of EVs.

Awareness of EVs is consistently high across all age categories and among both men and women.

Charging Infrastructure

UAE's mission of becoming carbon neutral seems to be yielding results, with 38% of respondents aware of the location of at least one convenient charging station. A convenient charging station is available where people park their cars at home, according to:

• Four out of five people (80%)

The highest availability is noted in shared or public parking.

Consumer Sentiment Towards EVs

A significant finding is that 64% of respondents in the UAE and 65% in Saudi Arabia are more likely to consider an EV compared to a year ago. This shift is largely attributed to rising gasoline prices, with:

• 47% of KSA participants feeling that rising petrol costs have made EV options more reasonably priced over the past year.

Range Anxiety

Range anxiety appears to be decreasing, with UAE and KSA participants stating that the ideal driving range of an EV is approximately:

• 325 km on average for UAE respondents.
• 360 km on average for KSA respondents.

Expert Commentary

Jack Uppal, President & Managing Director, General Motors Africa & Middle East, commented on the survey, stating: “It is promising to see the rising positive sentiment towards EVs brought to light by this Morning Consult survey. As we progress towards our vision of the future of mobility, the increase in volume and variety of EV options we are anticipating to bring to market will respond to the shift in consumer awareness and consideration brought on by the long-term benefits of ownership – from apprehension around affordability and range, towards positive sentiment towards the ownership potential of these new technologies.”