RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Global battery leader CATL has launched its NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh, establishing the first facility of its kind in the Middle East. The center now stands as the largest new energy aftermarket complex outside China, representing a significant advancement for the region's electric mobility infrastructure.

This launch supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 decarbonization targets, which include transitioning 30% of Riyadh’s vehicles to electric by 2030. While the region confronts distinct challenges—such as extreme temperatures and a traditional dependence on fossil fuels—CATL’s new 7,000-square-meter center aims to address infrastructure needs by delivering tailored technical support and energy storage solutions.

A Full-Service Ecosystem

The Riyadh hub operates as a multifunctional center, going beyond basic repairs to offer diagnostic zones, maintenance bays, refurbishment labs, and a premium client lounge. It provides full-lifecycle services—including battery health assessment, recycling, and aftermarket logistics—across seven key product categories, from passenger EVs to large-scale commercial storage systems.

For business customers, this centralized expertise is projected to cut vehicle downtime and reduce total ownership costs, offering the operational reliability required to expand electric fleets in demanding desert conditions.

Fostering Localization and Skills Development

In addition to technical infrastructure, the center acts as a catalyst for local economic growth. CATL is using the facility to train a new generation of Saudi technicians, promoting knowledge transfer within the high-potential green energy sector. This aligns with CATL’s global NING SERVICE framework, which has already certified close to 10,000 professionals worldwide.

Strategic local partnerships are already taking shape. CATL is engaged in discussions with major regional stakeholders, including fuel station operators exploring green charging integration and logistics firms seeking to electrify their transport fleets.

“We see major potential in this energy shift,” said Ahmed Ibrahim, Assistant General Manager for Procurement at Al Drees. “Partnering with industry pioneers like CATL enables us to implement solar-plus-storage systems at gasoline stations and electrify equipment such as forklifts, directly lowering our reliance on oil.”

A Globally Connected, Locally Rooted Network

The Riyadh launch extends CATL’s extensive worldwide network, which now comprises more than 1,200 service stations across 76 countries. Lin Chaofan, CEO of investor F4S, voiced confidence that the collaboration will speed up the region’s participation in the worldwide energy transition.

“This is a long-term investment in the region,” stated Bruce Li, President of Aftermarket Business at CATL. “The Riyadh center serves as an ecosystem hub designed to drive industrial synergy. From here, we plan to further grow our Middle Eastern network, ensuring Saudi Arabia’s energy transformation is supported by dependable, world-class service.”