Qatar's first electric car plant eyes 2028 output

Qatar is set to launch its first electric vehicle manufacturing plant, marking a significant step towards reducing the nation's reliance on hydrocarbons as part of Qatar National Vision 2030. The plant, a collaboration between JTA International Investment Holding and Britain's Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC), will commence production of electric cars and medium-sized delivery vans in early 2028.

Initially, the factory will manufacture around 5,000 units annually, with plans to expand significantly thereafter. The vehicles, designed specifically for Qatar's extreme heat, will be assembled entirely in the Gulf state and marketed under a "Made in Qatar" label. The partnership was formalized with a ceremony in Doha, with WEVC's Neil Yates highlighting the vehicles' ability to withstand the region's demanding environmental conditions and customer preferences.

The cars will be built on WEVC's modular PACES aluminium skateboard chassis, which integrates the battery into the vehicle's primary structure, reducing weight, tooling costs, and complexity. The regional electric car market is projected to grow from $11.64bn in 2023 to $31.66bn by 2031, driven by national diversification programs like Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Net Zero 2050.