Saudi Electricity inks deal with Japanese firms to pilot electric cars

State-owned Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) has signed a deal with Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), Nissan Motor Co. and Takaoka Toko for the first electric vehicle (EV) pilot project in the Kingdom, according to a company statement on Sunday.

Under the deal, fast-charger stations will be developed to charge EVs in 30 minutes.

The pilot project will use three of Nissan's LEAF electric cars, while TEPCO affiliate Takaoka Toko will provide quick chargers for each of them.

Meanwhile, Saudi Electricity and TEPCO will analyze the results to evaluate the performance of the vehicles and quick chargers under harsh conditions, and the commercial feasibility of the vehicles in Saudi Arabia. 

“They will also cooperate on development of a business plan to promote the use of electric vehicles and quick chargers there,” the statement said.

The move is in line with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to reduce reliance on oil and cut carbon emissions.

The agreement was inked on Sunday at a Saudi-Japanese business forum, which also saw MoUs signed with companies such as Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) and New Energy and Industrial Technology Development (NEDCO).

Financial details and project timeline were not disclosed.