Lucid and KACST inaugurate EV innovation centre in Riyadh
According to the Saudi Press Agency, research at the centre will focus on improving the efficiency, functionality and performance of Lucid’s electric vehicles. The facility is intended to bring together local, regional and international research expertise, strengthening Lucid’s research and development capabilities while supporting the Kingdom’s growing electric mobility sector.
The innovation centre represents the second phase of the partnership between Lucid and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). Initially launched as a specialised testing and validation facility, it has since expanded to cover all stages of electric vehicle development. Lucid said the centre will act as a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s national research and development infrastructure and contribute to the localisation and dissemination of advanced electric mobility technologies.
It is the first facility of its kind in the Middle East dedicated to advanced electric vehicle research and forms part of a strategic partnership between the Saudi national laboratory and the Public Investment Fund-backed electric vehicle manufacturer. The Riyadh facility joins Lucid’s growing network of sites in the United States and Saudi Arabia, which also includes manufacturing operations and a recently opened showroom in Al Khobar, further embedding the company within the Kingdom’s emerging electric vehicle ecosystem.
“This new innovation centre embodies our ongoing commitment to leading the advancement of electric vehicle technology, and our support toward strengthening Saudi Arabia a hub for technological innovation, said Lucid interim CEO Marc Winterhoff. “By combining Lucid’s engineering expertise with KACST’s advanced research capabilities, we will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Our teams are eager to begin the planned work together, recognising this research will help shape the future of sustainable mobility.”
KACST stated that the centre will serve as a platform to accelerate the development and industrial application of advanced technologies in electric vehicles, batteries and smart systems. Senior Vice President for Research and Development at KACST, Dr Talal bin Ahmed Al-Sedairy, said the collaboration supports the transformation of research outcomes into commercially viable technologies.
“This cooperation contributes to the transfer and localisation of advanced, high-impact technologies, the establishment of new industrial value chains, and the strengthening of integration between the research, development and innovation system, the industrial strategy, and the investment strategy,” he said, adding that it would “accelerat[e] the transformation of knowledge into products and technologies that support the future of sustainable mobility and enhance the competitiveness of the national economy”.
President of Lucid Middle East Faisal Sultan described the opening as “a major step forward in Lucid’s commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia”. He added: “This collaboration strengthens our regional presence, nurtures local talent, and contributes to building a vibrant technology ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030.”
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