Riyadh: King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), the Kingdom's national laboratory, and Lucid Group, renowned for manufacturing advanced electric vehicles, have inaugurated the first Electric Vehicle Innovation Center in the Middle East, situated in Saudi Arabia. The announcement was made with the presence of Dr. Munir bin Mahmoud El-Desouki, President of KACST.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the center is a significant platform that unites local, regional, and global research expertise. This initiative reflects KACST's dedication to innovation and strengthens Lucid's position in advanced technologies. The center is designed to improve efficiency, functionality, and performance across Lucid's product range, contributing to rapid development and supporting the Kingdom's future mobility sector.
Interim CEO at Lucid, Marc Winterhoff, noted that the innovation center is a testament to Lucid's commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and transforming Saudi Arabia into a hub of technological innovation. By merging Lucid's engineering prowess with KACST's research capabilities, the collaboration aims to push the boundaries of sustainable mobility.
Dr. Talal bin Ahmed Al-Sedairy, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at KACST, highlighted the center as a crucial step in empowering Saudi talent in electric vehicle technology, batteries, and smart systems. This initiative boosts local content and enhances the Kingdom's capabilities in advanced industries, aligning with Vision 2030 and national aspirations. It integrates scientific research with industrial applications, promoting a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Al-Sedairy emphasized that this cooperation facilitates the transfer and localization of impactful technologies, the creation of new industrial value chains, and the integration of research, development, and innovation with industrial and investment strategies. This will accelerate the transformation of knowledge into products supporting sustainable mobility and boosting the national economy's competitiveness.
Faisal Sultan, President of Lucid Middle East, remarked on the center's opening as a crucial advancement in Lucid's dedication to Saudi Arabia. The collaboration enhances regional presence, nurtures local talent, and contributes to developing a vibrant technology ecosystem in line with Vision 2030.
The innovation center was developed in collaboration with KACST, a leading research and innovation institution in the Kingdom. It marks the second phase of the strategic partnership between the two entities, aiming to advance scientific research and develop sustainable technologies through specialized Saudi expertise.
The release further detailed that the center began as a specialized facility for testing and validation, evolving to encompass all stages of electric vehicle development. It represents a significant leap in collaboration and extends Lucid's network of facilities in the United States.
The center will focus on advanced research, disseminate Lucid's leading technologies, and play a critical role in developing future products. It will serve as a key component of the Kingdom's national research infrastructure and actively contribute to the innovation and industrial application of future technologies.