General Motors selected Morning Consult to evaluate consumer interest in electric cars, as well as how much they knew about the long-term financial benefits of EV ownership, the types of EVs that were available, and where to find charging stations.
According to the survey, seven out of ten consumers in UAE (73%) and Saudi Arabia (69%) are ready to learn more about the cost savings given by an electric vehicle. The idea of EVs is well understood, with 95% of UAE respondents and 93% of KSA respondents knowing of all-electric vehicles. In both countries, awareness of EVs is generally high across all age categories for both men and women.
This increased awareness resulted in significant purchase consideration, with the majority of people in both countries (63% in KSA and 70% in the UAE) strongly thinking about buying an electric vehicle in the future.
Global and Regional Growth
This optimistic view for EV sales lines up with estimates that global EV revenue will increase from $10 billion in 2023 to about $90 billion by 2030. The regional increase in popularity also corresponds with carbon-neutral plans throughout the region.
Compared to a year ago, 65% of Saudi Arabian respondents said they would be more likely to go for an electric car. The cost of gasoline is cited as a factor by 61%, while 47% of respondents believe that more affordable EV options entered the market last year.
Driving Range: A Constant Concern
One important finding from the study addresses range anxiety: participants from UAE said the ideal driving range of an EV is about 325 km, but in KSA, it is approximately 360 km. Also, 36% of respondents in the Kingdom attribute their increased consideration for purchasing electric vehicles to a heightened awareness of the extended driving range compared to what was previously available.
GM’s electric vehicle portfolio, which uses Ultium battery technology, will be able to exceed expectations with a driving range of over 400 km on a single charge, depending on the car.
Is the region ready for EVs?
The results show areas for improvement and an understanding of current infrastructure improvement efforts. Riyadh has set an ambitious target of having 30% of its cars run on electricity by 2030, and UAE now has 600 charging points with plans to increase that number by 2050.
Over a third (38%) of respondents in the UAE knew where at least one easily accessible charging station was located. In KSA, two out of every five respondents (40%) were aware of a charging station, but only one in every five (17%) thought it was close to their home or workplace.
In order to meet the EV demands of each market, General Motors will explore combinations of home, community, and public infrastructure solutions in collaboration with local governments. This supports the continuous efforts to implement the long-term plan, which is driven by the goal of having zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the survey conducted by General Motors in the UAE and Saudi Arabia underscores a promising shift in consumer attitudes toward electric vehicles (EVs). The robust awareness levels and substantial purchase considerations reveal a growing appetite for sustainable mobility solutions in the region. As global and regional initiatives align with the increasing popularity of EVs, GM’s commitment to innovative technology and collaboration with local governments positions them to play a pivotal role in realizing a future characterized by zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion.
