A survey commissioned by General Motors Africa & Middle East and conducted by Morning Consult explored the state of consumer interest in EVs in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia regions. The survey found that 95% of UAE and 93% of KSA respondents were aware of all-electric vehicles. This heightened awareness has also translated into strong purchase consideration, with a majority in both countries (63% in Saudi Arabia and 70% in UAE) strongly considering a future EV purchase. Looking more closely into EV pricing in the UAE, 73% of consumers see EVs as having worthwhile cost savings versus gasoline-powered vehicles. On the aspect of awareness of charging infrastructure, over one-third (38%) of respondents were aware of the location of at least one convenient charging station in the UAE. In Saudi Arabia, two out of five respondents (40%) claimed awareness of a charging station. This favourable outlook towards EVs aligns with global EV revenue projections, anticipated to grow from around $10 billion in 2023 to approximately $90 billion annually by 2030. 

If you’re unaware, BluSmart is an Indian cab service provider with only electric vehicles in its fleet. It has now placed an order to purchase 500 units of the MG ZS EV. That is a massive purchase! This new development means the cab company, which also operates EV charging hubs, is strengthing its fleet in existing cities and entering new markets in India. The ZS EV is roomy and provides good overall performance. The electric SUV packs a 50.3kWh battery, which offers a certified range of up to 461km. And there’s enough oomph to sprint from nothing to 100kmph in 8.5 seconds.

On the one hand, we have MG Motor India, a brand that currently sells two battery-powered EVs in India – the ZS EV and the Comet EV. And on the other hand, we have Lohum – India’s largest producer of sustainable energy transition materials. On this year’s World Environment Day, the two firms have announced a partnership to build an ecosystem for the reuse and the life cycle management of EV batteries. In other words, the duo will explore ways to utilise already-used EV batteries and repurpose them for energy storage solutions. One such product has already been developed. It’s called BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), with an energy storage capacity of 5kWh. This can be planted anywhere to provide uninterrupted power supply in regions with unreliable grid infrastructure. Expect more such solutions in times to come.

MG Motor India has shared two staggering statistics on the occasion of this year’s World Environment Day, both revolving around its flagship pure-electric offering – the ZS EV. One: To date, all units sold in the country have covered more than 1.9 crore (19 million) kilometres. To put things in perspective, the distance between the Earth and the Moon is 3.844 lakh (384,400) kilometres. So simple math reveals over 49 trips between the two celestial bodies. And two: The army of ZS EVs sold in India has saved more than 27 million kilograms of CO2 emissions. 

Do you remember the Nexon EV Max #Dark that launched last month? That came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which also does duty in the Harrier and the Safari. That has now been introduced in two additional Nexon EV Max variants – XZ+ Lux and XZ+ Lux (with the 7.2kW charger). The former is priced at INR 18.79 lakh, whereas the latter comes at an ex-showroom price of INR 19.29 lakh, a difference of INR 50,000. Along with the larger real estate for controlling various vehicle functions, both XZ+ Lux derivatives of the Nexon EV Max also get wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a high-def rear-view camera, an improved audio system and voice assistant in six languages with over 180 commands. And in case you want the #Dark versions of either of the variants mentioned above, you will have shed an extra INR 25,000.