Qatar is swiftly advancing its shift toward electric mobility (e-mobility), aligning with its Qatar National Vision 2030 and the 3rd National Development Strategy (NDS3), a new report revealed.
According to PwC, this strategy emphasizes sustainability, economic diversification, and technology-driven growth. The initiatives implemented in this area have been crucial in guiding the nation toward a sustainable mobility future. Notably, the Electric Vehicle Strategy 2021 has established ambitious goals, including having electric vehicles (EVs) account for 10 percent of total vehicle sales by 2030, alongside the rapid deployment of EV infrastructure to support a zero-emission transportation future.
The report, published by Qatar News Agency (QNA), indicates that EVs are gaining momentum in Qatar, with sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) projected to rise from 1.1 percent in 2024 to approximately 14.4 percent by 2035. Similarly, the sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are expected to grow from 0.7 percent in 2024 to 9.6 percent in 2035.
The report emphasizes the Ministry of Transport’s vital role in leading the transition toward sustainable mobility through various strategies aimed at achieving a cleaner, more efficient, and environmentally friendly future. It notes that, thanks to these strategies, 73 percent of public buses in Qatar have already been converted to electric, showcasing a tangible shift toward green mobility.
Reducing CO2 emissions through e-mobility
Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport has played a significant part in establishing an e-bus assembly plant in the Um Al Houl Free Zone, in collaboration with Mowasalat (Karwa) and Yutong, as stated in the report. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar served as a landmark occasion that showcased Qatar’s e-mobility capabilities, with over 1,000 e-buses providing transportation for fans and visitors. This marked the first FIFA World Cup held in the Middle East with such a considerable emphasis on electric transportation.
By transitioning to e-mobility and cleaner power generation, Qatar can reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 5 percent compared to a fully internal combustion engine fleet, reinforcing the country’s dedication to sustainable, low-carbon transportation. Qatar’s commitment to sustainability, coupled with appealing green financing options, further bolsters the case for growth in this sector. With a projected annual economic growth rate of 4.1 percent from 2025 to 2029 and a population expected to reach 3.2 million by 2030, Qatar is well-positioned for sustainable market expansion.
The paper also highlights significant efforts to install over 1,000 charging stations by 2030, supported by plans for 4,000 stations by 2035. Qatar has established ambitious renewable energy targets, with solar capacity anticipated to expand to 5 gigawatts by 2035. This indicates that Qatar has the potential to fully satisfy EV charging demand through clean energy sources.
Read more: Qatar leads MENA in public transport access with 91.7 percent coverage
Investing in e-mobility ecosystem
The report reveals that Qatar is heavily investing in the development of its e-mobility ecosystem. In this context, prototypes of Vim, the first EV incorporating Qatari intellectual property, were unveiled by Ecotranzit in 2023. Additionally, ABB E-mobility, a global leader in EV charging solutions, has partnered with the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) to establish a state-of-the-art service and training center in the Um Al Houl Free Zone. This center will focus on both theoretical and hands-on training for EV charging infrastructure.
Qatar is a significant international investment partner, with substantial investments from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in major EV battery manufacturing companies such as SK On. This positions Qatar among the key players in the global EV battery manufacturing landscape. Besides Yutong, the report notes that Qatar’s attractive market has already attracted interest from EV manufacturers like Volkswagen, Porsche, and Gaussin.
The study sets the stage for a future where Qatar is strategically positioned on the global e-mobility front, with ongoing efforts to develop a localized EV battery ecosystem, train national professionals, and enhance international cooperation in research and development. This paves the way for Qatar to become an exporter of technologies and components for sustainable transportation to Europe and Asia.
