Lucid Group Teams Up with KACST to Spearhead EV Technology Advancements in Saudi Arabia

Arab Times News – Lucid Group, a prominent US electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has forged a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to drive the development of EV technology within the Kingdom. This collaborative effort aims to leverage KACST’s expertise and resources to propel research and innovation in advanced battery technologies, materials, aerodynamics, autonomous driving, and artificial intelligence, among other key areas.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Lucid Group and KACST signifies a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s quest for sustainable transportation solutions. By harnessing Lucid’s cutting-edge technology and KACST’s research capabilities, the partnership seeks to accelerate the evolution of EV systems tailored to the unique climatic conditions of Saudi Arabia. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s vision for a sustainable and diversified economy, driving forward its ambitious goals for technological advancement and environmental stewardship.

Lucid Group and KACST Research and Development Initiatives

The collaboration between Lucid and KACST will extend beyond theoretical research to practical application, with the establishment of joint research and development headquarters at KACST’s national laboratories. Scheduled to launch in the third quarter of 2024, these facilities will serve as incubators for innovation, fostering collaboration between experts from both entities to develop cutting-edge solutions for the transportation and energy sectors.

Strategic Alignment with National Objectives

Talal bin Ahmed Al-Sudairi, Senior Vice President of KACST for the research and development sector, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership in advancing the Kingdom’s research, development, and innovation agenda. By leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and expertise, the joint efforts between Lucid and KACST aim to drive tangible progress in electric vehicle systems and autonomous driving technologies, contributing to the nation’s economic diversification and industrial transformation.

The collaboration between Lucid Group and KACST underscores a shared commitment to fostering innovation and driving economic growth in Saudi Arabia. By combining their respective strengths in scientific research and technical expertise, both entities are poised to spearhead transformative developments in the EV industry, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainable mobility.

In September 2023, Lucid’s expansion into Saudi Arabia marked a significant milestone, with the establishment of its first plant outside the US. With an initial capacity to produce 5,000 EVs annually, Lucid’s presence in the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to supporting the nation’s ambitious goals for sustainable transportation. Moreover, the Kingdom’s commitment to purchasing up to 100,000 vehicles from Lucid over the next decade underscores the government’s unwavering support for the advancement of EV technology and adoption.

More Business News: Fujairah International Airport Expands Network with Direct Flights to Cairo