Miguel Hadchity

RIYADH: Saudi energy major Aramco and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD have signed a joint development agreement to explore advancements in new energy vehicle technologies. 

The partnership, formalized between Saudi Aramco Technologies Co. and BYD, aims to develop solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, according to a joint statement. 

Saudi Arabia is continuing to develop its electric vehicle infrastructure under Vision 2030, which targets greater sustainability and economic diversification.   

Ali Al-Meshari, Aramco’s senior vice president of Technology Oversight and Coordination, said: “The collaboration between SATC and BYD aims to support energy efficiency improvements, and it builds on Aramco’s extensive research and development of new energy solutions.”  

He added: “Aramco is exploring a number of ways to potentially optimize transport efficiency, from innovative lower-carbon fuels to advanced powertrain concepts.” 

Al-Meshari emphasized the need for a multifaceted approach to support a practical energy transition and welcomed BYD’s role in the initiative. 

Luo Hongbin, senior vice president at BYD, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation.   

“At the crossroads of technological innovation and environmental protection, BYD always believes that true breakthroughs come from openness and collaboration,” he said.  

Hongbin added: “We expect that SATC and our cutting-edge R&D capabilities in new energy vehicles will break the boundaries of geography and mindset to incubate solutions that combine highly-efficient performance with a lower carbon footprint.”  

Hongbin expressed confidence that the partnership would contribute to broader climate action goals. 

BYD, a long-standing player in electric mobility, has expanded its presence in the automotive, energy storage, and rail transit sectors, contributing to green technology development. 

Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies, has been investing in technologies aimed at improving resource efficiency and supporting energy transition efforts. 

In January, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co. — a joint venture between the Public Investment Fund and Saudi Electricity Co. — signed a deal with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility, BYD’s local partner, to install high-speed EV chargers across the Kingdom.  

EVIQ plans to deploy more than 5,000 charging stations by 2030, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a regional hub for electric mobility. 

Global forecasts suggest electric and eco-friendly vehicles could account for half of all car sales by 2035, making the Kingdom’s investments in EV infrastructure a key step toward future mobility.