Qatar leads e-mobility transition in MENA region: PwC report

Qatar Tribune

21 hours ago

Tribune News Network
Doha
Qatar is rapidly advancing its transition to electric mobility, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3), which emphasises sustainability, economic diversification, and technology-driven growth. The tailored plans implemented in this area have played a pivotal role in steering the country towards a sustainable mobility future. Among these is the Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021, which sets ambitious targets—including electric vehicles (EVs) comprising 10 percent of total vehicle sales by 2030—and supports the rapid deployment of EV infrastructure to facilitate a zero-emission transport future.
These insights come from a recent report released by PwC, which notes that EVs are gaining traction in Qatar. The report projects that sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) will rise from 1.1 percent in 2024 to approximately 14.4 percent by 2035, while sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are expected to grow from 0.7 percent in 2024 to 9.6 percent by 2035.
The report highlights the Ministry of Transport's key role in driving the transition to sustainable mobility through a range of strategic initiatives aimed at building a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally conscious transport system. Thanks to these strategies, 73 percent of Qatar's public buses are already electric—an indication of the country's tangible shift towards green mobility.
Additionally, the Ministry has played a significant role in establishing an e-bus assembly plant in the Um Al Houl Free Zone, a joint initiative between Mowasalat (Karwa) and Yutong.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar marked a milestone in showcasing the nation's e-mobility capabilities. More than 1,000 electric buses were deployed to transport fans and visitors, making it the first-ever FIFA World Cup held in the Middle East with such a strong emphasis on electric transport.
By shifting to e-mobility and cleaner energy generation, Qatar can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 5 percent compared to a fully internal combustion engine fleet—reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, low-carbon transportation.
Qatar's dedication to sustainability, coupled with attractive green financing options, further strengthens its position in this sector. With a projected annual economic growth rate of 4.1 percent between 2025 and 2029 and a population expected to reach 3.2 million by 2030, the country is well-placed for sustainable market expansion.
The report also points to significant efforts to install over 1,000 EV charging stations by 2030, with plans to expand this number to 4,000 by 2035. Qatar has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming for solar capacity to reach 5 gigawatts by 2035—enabling the country to potentially meet EV charging demand entirely through clean energy.
To support the development of its e-mobility ecosystem, Qatar has made strategic investments. In 2023, Ecotranzit unveiled prototypes of Vim, the first EV to incorporate Qatari intellectual property. Meanwhile, ABB E-mobility, a global leader in EV charging solutions, partnered with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to establish a state-of-the-art service and training centre in the Um Al Houl Free Zone, providing both theoretical and practical training on EV charging infrastructure.
Qatar is also emerging as a key international investment partner, with the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) investing in major EV battery manufacturers such as SK On—positioning the country as an important player in the global EV battery sector.