Global New Energy Vehicle (NEV) sales leader BYD recently opened a brand new showroom in Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road in collaboration with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company as part of BYD’s “Closer to You” strategy. Both firms hosted an official SZR showroom opening where visitors and select media personnel including The Cornea Impression had an exclusive opportunity to preview the highly anticipated YangWang U8, marking its first-ever appearance in the UAE. Launch for the same is scheduled for sometime in 2025 with up to 8 variants on offer comprising both BEV and Hybrid powertrains.

This state-of-the-art facility sprawling 750 square meters, located right next to the Oasis Mall for easier accessibility to Dubai residents, has already registered more than 1,000 walk-ins and test drive bookings. The new BYD facility boasts special interactive discovery zones within its premises to educate customers of the benefits and capabilities of BYD’s cutting-edge technologies such as BYD’s Blade battery and DM-i engine and technologies through full-scale models and interactive exhibits. Ample parking equipped with EV charging stations is also available within the facility’s premises. Hasan Nergiz, Managing Director at Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company, commented, Our focus moving forward is accessibility, therefore by the end of the year, we aim to cover 90% of the market within 15 kilometres of a BYD showroom, with new locations opening in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Ras Al Khaimah. We’re also aiming to expand our after-sales services and introduce mobile servicing, allowing customers to service their vehicles at their convenience, at home or on the go. This initiative is a major step in making the transition to EVs even more convenient in the region.”

Developing EVs has been a capital-intensive affair for brands which has influenced them to join hands. BMW and Toyota recently announced plans of coming together to explore hydrogen fuel-cell EV technology. And now, the latest alliance to be announced involves General Motors and Hyundai Motor Company as they sign an agreement to “explore future collaboration across key strategic areas”. These key areas include potential collaborations to co-develop passenger and commercial vehicles featuring clean-energy, electric and hydrogen technologies as well as internal combustion engines, sourcing raw materials for batteries and steel and working together to reduce production costs overall.

The framework agreement was signed by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra where the former commented, “This partnership will enable Hyundai Motor and GM to evaluate opportunities to enhance competitiveness in key markets and vehicle segments, as well as drive cost efficiencies and provide stronger customer value through our combined expertise and innovative technologies.”

In a bid to expand India’s existing EV infrastructure of a mere 540 commercial charging points, Tata Motors has signed an MoU with Delta Electronics India and Thunderplus Solutions Pvt Ltd to install 250 new fast charging stations across the country. These chargers will be strategically placed across 50 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Kochi among others.

Apart from personal consumption, even E-commerce companies, and parcel and courier service providers have adopted electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries. Keeping that in consideration, Tata Motors will recommend optimal locations and nearest dealerships for setting up these fast-charging stations, with Delta Electronics supplying the necessary hardware and Thunderplus Solutions bearing the responsibility to install and operate them. Speaking about this collaboration, Mr Vinay Pathak, Vice President & Business Head – SCV&PU, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “Our endeavour is to make emission-free cargo transportation easily accessible. Expanding the available charging infrastructure on high-use routes will encourage more customers to opt for electric commercial vehicles and improve vehicle uptime resulting in higher revenues and better profitability, while contributing towards a cleaner, greener environment. Installing fast chargers at our dealerships makes it convenient for them to gain access at a familiar location with reliable charging facility.”

Chinese carmaker Geely appears to be on an offensive in 2024. Geely recently published spectacular financials for the first half of 2024 with record-breaking figures in the International sales department. The Chinese carmaker aims to capitalise on those heightened international sales by announcing its intention to debut its Riddara pickup brand in the UAE later this year. Riddara, Geely’s 100% electric pickup brand, has officially completed high-temperature testing phase in the UAE recently.

For those unaware of Riddara, the all-electric pickup brand hosted its launch in China in 2022. Since then, it has reportedly become a leader in the electric pickup segment. In 2024, Riddara has already expanded its footing in Southeast Asia and Latin America with the brand’s global expansion plans pitting for a UAE launch soon. As a product, Riddara aims to offer “a new driving experience” to Middle Eastern consumers, “combining advanced electric technology with reliable performance.” William Peng, Marketing Senior Manager at Riddara Global, commented: “We are thrilled to bring Riddara to the UAE for testing in the extreme high-temperature environments. This is a pivotal moment for us in the Middle East market. By rigorously testing our vehicles in high- temperature conditions, we can ensure that Riddara delivers reliable and efficient performance to our customers, no matter the environment.”

After already having established its presence in the U.S., Canada, and Southeast Asia, VinFast, the young EV manufacturer from Vietnam is now setting its sights on the Middle Eastern market. Vinfast has already established a regional headquarters in Dubai and is forming strategic partnerships with local dealers in countries like Oman and the UAE.

Vinfast’s undeterred drive for global expansion comes courtesy of strong backing from Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate and Vinfast’s parent firm, Vingroup. The conglomerate operates across a diverse range of sectors, including technology-industry, trade & services, contributing nearly 1.6% to the country’s 2023 GDP. Vinfast established its Hai Phong automobile factory in 2019, achieving a world record for construction speed. Even though the brand commenced operations by selling gasoline cars, Vinfast made a bold pivot to all-electric powertrain mid-way and delivered its first EV to customers in December 2021.