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RIYADH: A three-wheeled electric bicycle, an electric car described as the world’s fastest, and electric buses were among the key innovations showcased at the electric vehicle exhibition held in the Saudi capital over three days. 

����ֱ�� has set a clear goal of converting 30 percent of all vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, as part of a broader strategy to halve the city’s emissions, reported. 

The fourth edition of the exhibition was organized within the framework of Vision 2030, which aims to advance clean transportation. It also served as a platform to discuss local manufacturing plans in the emerging EV sector — domestically, regionally, and globally — and to highlight efforts to develop the skills of Saudi nationals working in the industry. 

Visitors to the exhibition were greeted by strong competition among participating companies showcasing their latest transportation innovations. This competition extended beyond speed to include fueling methods and vehicle capabilities, underscoring that the energy source for future transportation has shifted from gasoline and diesel to electricity — Edison’s invention that transformed modern life. 

The exhibition featured the launch of several new vehicles. Bako Motors unveiled the Bako B1, a three-wheeled electric motorcycle designed for last-mile delivery services. The vehicle includes a solar roof that can generate enough energy for up to 50 km of daily driving, along with a 2,000-liter cargo capacity, addressing the needs of logistics firms seeking sustainable fleets. 

Also on display was the ROX ADAMAS, an all-terrain SUV showcased for the first time, while Lucid Motors presented its Gravity SUV, featuring a range exceeding 700 km and equipped with advanced driver-assistance technologies. 

DAN Motors introduced its CG150 motorcycle, featuring a 149cc engine, five-speed transmission, top speed of 95 km/h, an 11.5-liter fuel tank, and a payload capacity of up to 265 kg. 

This shift toward electric mobility is being driven by significant investments in local manufacturing and growing consumer confidence. Market studies suggest that about 40 percent of the population plans to purchase an electric vehicle within the next three years. 

A key theme at the exhibition was progress in infrastructure development. 

Faisal Sultan, regional president of Lucid Motors, said the organizational structure and infrastructure for EV adoption are now in place. He noted that the Public Investment Fund has established a specialized company to develop the national charging network, which has already expanded to more than 200 locations, with plans to exceed 1,000 charging stations by 2030. 

JEDDAH: They once said the automobile world was no place for a woman. But Chinese executive Stella Li proved them wrong — and went on to become one of the most influential women in the global automotive industry. 

As executive vice president and president of BYD Americas, Li has left an indelible mark on the auto industry and beyond. From her academic beginnings at China’s prestigious Fudan University to her pivotal role in transforming BYD into a dominant force in the electric vehicle market, Li’s story is one of vision, persistence, and leadership. 

Li’s journey began when she joined BYD in 1996. A year later, she became marketing manager, helping the company grow as a leading mobile phone battery manufacturer. 

Recalling her early days, Li told Arab News in an exclusive interview: “In 1999, I landed in Rotterdam to open our first office in Europe. I had only $30,000 as a budget and a container load of the Chinese group’s lithium-ion batteries. The management told me that’s the only budget — sell these batteries to survive.” 

With just two people helping her, she was able to clinch a deal and sell the batteries, and since then, she moved BYD to another level, and the company has moved far past its roots to become one of the world’s most powerful electric-vehicle makers. 

Owing to her ability to navigate complex challenges, Li went on to open BYD’s first overseas office in Hong Kong in 1997, followed by its first European office in Rotterdam in 1999. In 2002, she established BYD’s North American headquarters for batteries and consumer electronics in Chicago. By 2010, she was appointed president of BYD Motors Inc., spearheading the company’s expansion into North and South America. 

As one of the most powerful women shaping the future of mobility, Li was among the speakers at this year’s Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. 

The 55-year-old participated in several discussions and media interactions, including talks on BYD’s plans for a potential Gulf distribution hub in ����ֱ��. 

“The new distribution center is a huge investment to serve all the GCC countries and is expected to open next year,” she said. 

Reflecting on her visit to ����ֱ��, Li added: “When I was at the FII conference, I felt that the Saudi government is very committed to its Vision. The officials are not just talking — they deliver and are moving very fast to achieve the Vision’s goals. I am very impressed with the government’s intention to transform the country in such a short period.” 

Li noted that BYD is not only bringing its global No. 1 New Energy Vehicle expertise to the Saudi market but also tailoring its expansion to local needs — with flagship showrooms in Riyadh and Jeddah, sub-dealers in Dammam, immersive discovery centers, and strategic collaborations with Aramco and the Saudi Green Initiative. 

Speaking about the Aramco partnership, she explained: “We have signed an agreement with Saudi Aramco Technologies Co., a subsidiary of Aramco, to combine research and development capabilities to develop solutions that deliver both environmental and efficiency gains.” 

Asked about the importance of ����ֱ�� to BYD’s growth, Li said: “����ֱ�� means a lot to us. To prove that, this is my second visit in six weeks. It’s a promise of partnership, progress, and a future where ����ֱ�� isn’t just adopting technology — it’s helping to define it.” 

She also revealed that BYD plans to deploy 500 to 1,000 ultra-fast EV charging stations across the Gulf region. 

“Yes, we will offer one-megawatt units in ����ֱ�� and the UAE that can deliver a 400-kilometer range in just five minutes,” she said. 

Beyond technology, Li is a strong advocate for women’s leadership. She praised ����ֱ��’s continued efforts to empower women economically and socially. 

“Women in every country are present at every stage of the process, and their input is essential to BYD’s success. I am really glad to see Saudi women taking a major role in the development plan — and we are glad to have them here with us in ����ֱ��,” she said. 

On developing young Saudi talent, she added: “We came to ����ֱ��, brought our technology, and established our branches that now employ many Saudis. It is our duty to train young local talent — in technology and leadership. It doesn’t matter how qualified these young people are; we make them able to learn and become the best in the industry.” 

Li praised the Kingdom’s focus on nurturing local talent, especially women in technology and leadership. 

The trailblazing executive recently became the first woman in the history of the World Car of the Year, or WCOTY, program to win the World Car Person of the Year 2025 award. 

A jury of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries selected her for making the most significant contribution to the global automotive industry over the past year. 

Li was also featured in the Time 100 Climate list of the most influential leaders in the fight against climate change. 

In conclusion, she said she is satisfied with BYD’s sales performance in ����ֱ�� and noted that the company is actively expanding its local sales teams, with a focus on earning consumer trust.