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  7 Good Reasons to Adopt Electric Vehicles

 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a futuristic vision: they are a rapidly growing reality in the GCC countries, perfectly aligned with the region's ambitious sustainable development goals.

 Countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, for example, have made ambitious commitments to decarbonize their economies through pioneering initiatives such as Vision 2030 and the 2050 Climate Neutrality Strategy.

 

It's important to emphasize that EV adoption is a critical component of this approach: 

• It contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• reducing dependence on fossil fuels, 
• reshaping the urban energy landscape. 

Supported by billions of dollars in public and private investment, the transition to EVs is already accelerating!

 

In this context, General Motors, leveraging nearly a century of regional expertise, is fully aligned with national priorities that contribute to the future of mobility by offering an electric vehicle that fits every budget and every objective.

 In this article, we present seven compelling reasons why electric vehicles are not only suitable but essential in the Middle East. 

From lowering the cost of ownership to boosting innovation and the economy, to offering performance equal to or better than conventional vehicles, the power of electric vehicles has never been stronger.

 

1. Cheaper than you think.

 

While electric vehicles may be more expensive upfront, the long-term savings are real and significant. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and less maintenance requirements, electric vehicles (EVs) are less expensive to maintain. 

Charging at home or in designated parking spaces is also more economical than filling up with gas and more convenient. 

With each city adopting a different pace of change, increased access to integrated home charging solutions and local partnerships with governments and service providers will continue to help reduce the cost of public adoption.

 

Indeed, a 2023 Morning Consult study showed that 70% of customers in the UAE and 65% in Saudi Arabia are currently considering an electric vehicle for their next purchase, a clear sign of growing market appetite. 

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' (PwC) Electric Mobility Outlook 2024 report, the UAE aims for 50% of its vehicles to be electric or hybrid by 2050. 

Maintenance and operating costs are significantly lower than those of internal combustion engine vehicles, thanks to fewer parts and reduced upkeep.

 

2. Designed for comfort, energy, and driving pleasure

 

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not only cleaner but also fun to drive. Their instant torque allows for effortless acceleration, while their near-silent ride provides optimal comfort in traffic jams and on long journeys.

 Whether you're cruising around town or venturing into the sand dunes, EVs offer smooth performance, high ground clearance, and surprising power. 

It's important to note that there's an electric vehicle (EV) to suit every lifestyle in the Middle East, from sleek sedans like the Chevrolet Equinox EV to supercars like the Corvette E-ray, bold pickup trucks like the GMC Hummer EV, and luxury vehicles like the Cadillac Optiq and Lyriq.

 

3. A Smarter Experience – Personal, Connected, and Ever-Evolving.

 

Electric vehicles are transforming the driving experience. They're no longer just about getting from point A to point B: they're smart, connected platforms designed to adapt to the needs of each driver.

 Notable features include touchscreens for intuitive interfaces, voice commands, and over-the-air software updates, allowing the vehicle to improve over time, often without the need for a trip to a service center. 

Safety systems powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and real-time data integration help make every trip more informative, convenient, and safe.

 

Other advanced technologies, such as OnStar, provide additional support by providing real-time assistance, accurate vehicle information, and connectivity that improve safety and peace of mind on the road.

 This shift to connected mobility isn't just about smarter vehicles; It's about creating a more personalized, responsive, and seamless experience for each driver. 

With an electric vehicle, a customer isn't just buying a car; they're entering a connected ecosystem that evolves with their lives and adapts to their needs.

 

4. Worried about range? Not anymore!

 

One of the most common misconceptions about electric vehicles is that you constantly have to find a charging station. However, current electric vehicles offer more than enough range for everyday driving, and the infrastructure is keeping pace. Most drivers charge their vehicles at home overnight, just like they charge their cell phones.

 

• The United Arab Emirates has over 1,500 electric vehicle (EV) charging points and plans to install 500 more across the country by the end of 2025. 
• As of 2024, Egypt had 238 EV charging stations. Public and private stakeholders are rapidly expanding charging networks in Egypt to install approximately 1,000 charging stations by the end of 2025.
• As of April 2025, Saudi Arabia had 2,803 charging points, most of them located in workplaces and residences. The Kingdom's goal is to install up to 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations by 2030.
•  In Jordan, there are 107 EV charging stations, with an additional 611 planned following the necessary permitting.

 

General Motors vehicles are among the largest on the market, and some models offer the longest range currently available.

 For example, the GMC Hummer EV can reach 578 km of range (according to GM's estimates) on a full charge, while a smaller vehicle like the Chevrolet Spark can travel up to 360 km. 

General Motors is working with partners to facilitate access to charging stations, including through revolutionary home charging solutions and more than 110 charging stations throughout the regional GM dealer network. 

Our collaboration with relevant government departments, along with smart city initiatives, will strengthen the integration of electric vehicle infrastructure into future urban planning, ensuring seamless and more accessible charging.

 

5. Longer-lasting electric vehicles

 

Modern electric vehicles are designed to last. Studies show they can last as long, or even longer, than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. 

Generators wear out less, and the batteries in today's electric vehicles are designed to last, even in the harsh climate that prevails across much of the Middle East.

 

With proper maintenance, an electric vehicle can be a long-term investment. Current batteries are designed to last between 10 and 20 years, and in the Middle East, electric vehicle batteries typically retain 70 to 80 percent of their capacity after 200,000 to 240,000 km, or a lifespan of between 8 and 15 years, even in extremely hot climates. 

Thanks to thermal management and moderate loads, energy loss remains minimal: around 1 to 2 percent per year, extending battery life to 20 years.

 

6. A smarter environmental choice, without compromise

 

You don't have to be an environmental activist to understand the importance of cleaner air and quieter streets. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution in urban areas. 

Even taking into account battery power, an EV generates significantly fewer emissions over its lifetime than a gasoline-powered vehicle. 

In a region striving to reconcile economic growth and sustainable development, switching to electric vehicles is a smart decision for the future, perfectly aligned with your lifestyle and values.

 

7. Incentives, benefits, and priority advantage

 

Many governments offer significant incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles: free public charging, reduced registration fees, tax exemptions, or even the provision of dedicated parking spaces for electric vehicles.

 

For example, in Dubai, electric vehicle owners benefit from various attractive incentives to encourage their adoption. 

These include access to over 30,000 free parking spaces, exemption from the Salik toll, and reduced registration and license renewal fees. 

In Saudi Arabia, electric vehicle owners receive a 50% discount on registration fees compared to conventional gasoline vehicles, while hybrid vehicles receive a 24% discount.

 

Oman, for its part, launched a three-year incentive program in 2023, offering exemptions from excise duties, VAT, and registration and spare parts fees for electric vehicles. 

These incentives apply to fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles registered in the Sultanate and are subject to extension, subject to government review.