March 24, 2025 – Over 40% of Saudi Arabia’s residents are considering purchasing an electrified vehicle within the next 12 months, according to a recent Ford Motor Company survey, with most preferring hybrid technology.
As part of its multi-market research, Ford engaged with drivers and potential car buyers in Saudi Arabia to understand their perceptions of electrified vehicles, aiming to enhance its preparedness for an all-electric future. This initiative aligns with Ford’s commitment to supporting the region’s shift toward electrification, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The findings emphasize the importance of raising awareness about EVs, addressing concerns about cost, range, and infrastructure, and highlighting the benefits of electric mobility. The study found that drivers in Saudi Arabia are well-acquainted with electric vehicles, describing them as ‘fun to drive,’ ‘cool,’ ‘sporty,’ and ‘easy to own.’ Forty percent of respondents have been in an electric vehicle, 31% have considered purchasing one, and 24% have driven one.
Over 80% of participants said they would be more likely to buy an EV with better towing capacity, and 82% prefer their first electrified vehicle to be off-road capable. However, concerns remain about whether EVs can match the luggage and payload capacity of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) ranked as the top choice, followed closely by Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in third place.
Buyers are more likely to consider an electric vehicle if it has a longer driving range, a comparable number of charging stations to fuel stations, and affordable maintenance costs. Many respondents also stated they would be more inclined to buy an EV if their friends owned one. Fuel savings was cited as the top advantage of EV ownership, but many believe that maintenance costs for electrified vehicles could be higher in the long run.
Most participants agreed they would be more likely to use EVs for grocery deliveries or ride-sharing services and would prefer an EV for daily commuting. Service stations ranked as the most preferred charging locations at 71%, followed by supermarkets or shopping centers, then parks or recreation facilities.
Fifty percent of respondents said they were aware of a few public charging sites within 20 km of their homes, although 29% expressed concerns about the lack of charging stations. Nearly half of the respondents believe that charging an EV at home is as expensive as fueling an ICE vehicle.