Ceer plans to make 1st EV roll-out in 2026: CEO

Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Ceer is expected to make its first-ever EV launch in Q4 2026, with new models to be rolled out between 2027-2029, CEO James DeLuca told Al Arabiya TV.

 

The Public Investment Fund (PIF)-backed EV manufacturer is set to unveil its first EV by year-end, said the CEO, adding that it will begin to receive purchase requests by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

 

“Meanwhile, the actual production of the first two EV models will be in Q4 2026, with their market launch being carried out simultaneously,” Deluca further noted.

 

DeLuca also revealed that active talks are currently underway with Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and Saudi Arabian Mining Co. (Maaden) to leverage local mineral resources and boost industrial integration in the Kingdom.

 

Ceer has already begun forging technology partnerships with global players such as BMW, Foxconn and Siemens, in addition to cooperating with global equipment providers such as Schuler and Duer in building the Ceer EV facility in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC).

 

Ceer contracted with five “tier-one” suppliers, including Lear Corp., FORVIA, JVIS, and Benteler, which work to localize the necessary parts and accessories. More players will join this list, whose names will be part of the production of Ceer’s first two EVs that will soon hit markets, according to the top executive.

 

Ceer, according to DeLuca, has sealed a partnership with a global battery cell provider, which will supply the necessary raw materials to ensure that all production requirements are met.

 

The CEO also confirmed that Ceer’s project is bound to directly contribute $8 billion (SAR 24 billion) to the Saudi GDP by 2034. “We are igniting the automotive industry ... that’s only the beginning,” he was quoted as saying.

 

He stressed that the Ceer project would help provide 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, in addition to attracting $150 million in foreign direct investments (FDIs).

 

According to Argaam data, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Ceer in November 2022 as Saudi Arabia’s first EV maker. It recently awarded a SAR 5 billion contract to Modern Building Leaders Co. (MBL) for the construction of the Ceer EV manufacturing complex in KAEC.