KACST and Lucid Partner to Launch Advanced EV Research Center in Saudi Arabia

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in partnership with PIF-backed Lucid Group, has inaugurated a new advanced innovation center in Riyadh dedicated to high-level research in electric vehicle technology.

The center focuses on enhancing the efficiency, functionality, and performance of Lucid vehicles, while leveraging local and international expertise to strengthen the company’s research and development capabilities, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Lucid Interim CEO Marc Winterhoff stated that the new center reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing electric vehicle technology and supporting Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for technological innovation. He emphasized that combining Lucid’s engineering expertise with KACST’s advanced research capabilities will continue to push the boundaries of sustainable mobility.

“Our teams are eager to begin the planned work together, recognizing this research will help shape the future of sustainable mobility,” Winterhoff said.

Dr. Talal bin Ahmed Al-Sedairy, Senior Vice President for Research and Development at KACST, noted that the center accelerates the transformation of knowledge into products and technologies that support sustainable mobility and enhance national economic competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Faisal Sultan, President of Lucid Middle East, described the opening as a major milestone in Lucid’s commitment to Saudi Arabia, highlighting its role in strengthening regional presence, nurturing local talent, and building a vibrant technology ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030.

The center represents the second phase of collaboration between KACST and Lucid. Initially launched as a specialized testing and validation facility, it has evolved to cover all stages of electric vehicle development, becoming a key pillar of the Kingdom’s national research and development infrastructure.