Riyadh has a new hub dedicated to advancing electric mobility. A partnership between King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Public Investment Fund-backed Lucid Group has inaugurated an electric vehicle innovation center in the Saudi capital.
The new site is designed to deepen research capabilities in the Kingdom. While supporting Lucid’s long-term engineering goals and Saudi Arabia’s broader push for technology-led growth.
What The New Center Will Work On
Research at the EV innovation center will focus on improving the efficiency, functionality, and performance of Lucid vehicles. The aim is clear: strengthen the technical foundation behind next-generation EV systems. At the same time, ensure the work translates into tangible advances for vehicle development.
The center is also expected to attract specialists from within Saudi Arabia and beyond. By bringing in expertise locally and internationally, the project is intended to bolster the company’s research capabilities.
Lucid’s Message: Pushing EV Technology Forward
Lucid interim CEO Marc Winterhoff said the launch reflects the company’s broader ambitions for research and innovation. He stated, “This new innovation center embodies our ongoing commitment to leading the advancement of electric vehicle technology,” and also highlighted support for strengthening Saudi Arabia as a hub for technological innovation.
Winterhoff also underlined the value of collaboration, saying: “By combining Lucid’s engineering expertise with KACST’s advanced research capabilities, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Looking ahead, he added: “Our teams are eager to begin the planned work together,” noting that this research will help shape the future of sustainable mobility.
KACST and Lucid Middle East On Talent and Impact
KACST senior vice president for research and development Dr. Talal bin Ahmed Al-Sedairy said the electric vehicle innovation center will speed up the transformation of knowledge into products and technologies. He added that it will support sustainable mobility and strengthen economic competitiveness.
Lucid Middle East President Faisal Sultan described the opening as a major step forward in Lucid’s commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added: “This collaboration strengthens our regional presence, nurtures local talent, and contributes to building a vibrant technology ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030.”
Lucid’s Growing Footprint in KSA
The electric vehicle innovation center is the second phase of the partnership between Lucid and KACST. One of the Kingdom’s leading R&D and innovation institutions
It began as a specialized testing and validation facility, and later expanded to cover all stages of electric vehicle development. The center also joins Lucid’s wider network of sites in the US and Saudi Arabia. As well as a showroom that opened in Alkhobar on December 5.
Lucid said the electric vehicle innovation center will serve as a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s national R&D infrastructure. And contribute to the innovation and industrial application of future technologies in the Kingdom.
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