7 in 10 residents of Saudi Arabia are "very" or "moderately" likely to purchase a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), a figure that is projected to rise to 85% by 2035, indicating significant growth potential for BEVs in the country over the coming years. In China, the world’s largest automobile market, the “very” or “moderately” likely BEV-purchase intention is nearing totality while growth in sentiment for pure BEVs stagnates at 35-43% in the USA and Europe. This is according to AlixPartners' 2024 International Electric Vehicle Consumer-Sentiment Survey, released by the global consulting firm AlixPartners.
While costs and charging are the primary concerns globally in the survey when it comes to choosing a BEV, respondents in Saudi Arabia are less concerned with costs compared to other countries. Instead, they are more worried about safety, complexity, and aftermarket concerns. Charging flexibility and extended range are the main reasons for choosing a plug-in hybrid electric Vehicle (PHEV) over a BEV in the Kingdom, mirroring similar trends in the USA and Europe. Notably, 93% of those in Saudi Arabia who are “very” or “moderately likely” to consider a BEV are also “very” or “moderately likely” to choose a PHEV as their next vehicle purchase or lease.
